An airline passenger bill of rights has just a come a few steps closer to becoming law. At a hearing in Washington those who support the implementation of a law that says passengers must be allowed to get off aircraft that have been delayed on the tarmac for more than three hours have now cited health reasons and gained the support of a major airline figurehead.

The passenger rights advocates told lawmakers that staying in an aircraft seat for any length of time can dramatically increase the chances of a passenger developing problems with their blood circulation. They cited a World Health Organisation study that proved that just four hours confined to a seat doubled the chance of someone developing problems like pulmonary embolism.

The airline industry is vigorously defending itself against the implementation of a passenger’s rights law and says that although delays of more than three hours do sometimes occur on aircraft the frequency of such occurrences is tiny.

Those fighting for the bill can now add the tentative support of ex American Airlines boss Robert Crandall. He said at the meeting that he would suggest a slow phasing in of any changes to avoid a massive jump in cancellations. His suggestion was to start with a law that said all passengers would be allowed off an aircraft after four hours of delay moving it up to three hours in 2011. He claimed that it was possible for new rules to be implemented without compromising economics or safety. His voice will be a huge help to campaigners as he used to be a leader in the very industry that is opposed to change.