New York became the first state to respond to recent airline passenger woes by passing a bill of rights. The magic number: three hours.
“The bottom line is people that are stuck on a plane for more than three hours should be able to use a bathroom, should be able to breathe fresh air and should be able to get a drink of water,” said Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, D-Queens.
Perhaps the most notorious of several incidents involved a JetBlue Airways plane at John F. Kennedy Airport’s tarmac during the St. Valentine’s Day ice storm, where passengers were hungry and thirsty, toilets were overflowing, and the plane didn’t have proper ventilation.
The AP says when planes have left the gate and been on the tarmac more than three hours, the legislation, which will take effect Jan. 1, requires:
• Electric-generation service for fresh air and lights.
• Removal of waste from holding tanks for onboard restrooms.
• Drinking water, snacks and other refreshments.
Airlines will have to provide passengers with details of the bill of rights and how to file complaints.
A new Office of Airline Consumer Advocate within the state Consumer Protection Board will handle complaints and refer violations to the attorney general. The attorney general can seek a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per passenger.
Report by David Wilkening
