Bill to allow U.S. currency at Louisiana airport vendors authored by Cenla legislator

ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – A bill in Louisiana’s regular legislative session would require airport vendors to accept cash payments.

Central Louisiana state Representative Chuck Owen (R-District 30) authored House Bill 339, which aims to regulate the forms of payment accepted at air carrier airports and their authorized agents.

“Two years ago, I was going through the Atlanta airport, and I wanted to get a hamburger, and I wanted to use cash, and I couldn’t,” said Owen. “We don’t have to do that in Louisiana.”

At the Louisiana House of Representatives’ Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee hearing held on March 14, Owen expressed his reasoning further.

“If we have the authority, I would like to ensure that vendors, and I’m not talking about airlines, I’m not talking about rental cars,” Owen said. “I’m talking about vendors where I can buy a Coke, or you can buy a Coke, a hamburger, Representative [Jacob] Braud. Make sure that they accept us greenbacks as a currency.”

HB339 defines “authorized agent” as any non-aeronautical service at the airport that provides business or products not associated with aviation. The measure, if passed through the legislature, would not apply to certain transactions, such as purchasing airline tickets, paying luggage fees, making purchases through the airline or paying rental vehicle fees.

However, for places like England Airpark, this bill would not put a major dent in the vendors at Alexandria International Airport (AEX).

“It’s a bill that requires certain vending types to accept cash payments,” said Ralph Hennessy, executive director for England Airpark. “When you look at the exclusions, it excludes operations of the airlines and the rental car agencies.”

Hennessy said vendors taking cash at AEX has never been an issue.

“Our vending machines already accept credit cards or cash payment and same with our food vendor,” Hennessy said. “It’s going to be seamless for us, business as usual.”

While HB339 will only affect a portion of flyers in Louisiana, Owen said he still wants this to be an option for consumers.

“I think our money is still good at the moment, so that’s all I’m asking, is that vendors at airports accept American currency,” said Owen.

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