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| Contact: Deborah Sturm Rausch (518) 473-9472 | For Immediate Release: January 1, 2008 |
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New York State Implements The Nation’s First Airline Passenger Bill Of Rights Law |
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The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) today announced the
implementation of New York’s Airline Passenger Bill of Rights. Signed by the
Governor in August 2007, the law is the first of its kind in the Nation.
“New York becomes the first State in the Nation to move beyond the rhetoric and assure that much needed consumer protections are provided by airlines whose passengers are stranded on the tarmac for more than three hours,” said Governor Eliot Spitzer. “Providing for airline passengers basic needs, like drinking water and clean air, is not only the right thing, but also the humane thing to do. I will look to my Consumer Protection Board to implement and enforce the new law, and invite other states to follow New York’s lead in protecting airline passengers.” “The CPB applauds Governor Spitzer and the Legislature for taking decisive action to protect consumers who may become stranded in airplanes and on tarmacs for hours by requiring carriers to provide for their basic needs and comfort,” said Mindy A. Bockstein, Chairperson and Executive Director of the CPB. “Prior to implementation of this law, airline passengers have been subjected to unsavory and unhealthy conditions in airplanes. Specific signage regarding passenger rights is now required to be posted at all airport gates and ticket counters in New York State. To assure adequate notice and awareness, the CPB has reached out to airports, the Air Transport Association (ATA) as well as to the nearly 100 airlines that operate in the State, and we are prepared to accept and review complaints.” General Business Law, Article 14-A, which takes effect today, January 1, 2008, is the first of its kind, and requires that “whenever airline passengers in New York State are delayed for more than three (3) hours on the aircraft prior to takeoff, the carrier must ensure that passengers are provided, as needed, with:
Anthony A. Shorris, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said: “The Port Authority is working hard with the airlines to improve customer service at our airports, and appreciates Governor Spitzer’s commitment to the issue.” "New York is leading the Nation by its enactment of a law requiring airlines not to confine passengers on the ground at New York airports for over 3 hours without essential survival needs of functioning restrooms, breathable air, potable water and food,” said Paul S. Hudson, Esq., Executive Director of the Aviation Consumer Action Project and Counsel to the Coalition for an Airline Passenger Bill of Rights. Kate Hanni, Founder of the Coalition for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights said: “I think New York has passed the smartest and gutsiest legislation imaginable. The Coalition for Airline Passengers is thrilled that New York took this important step.” Gregory Stamm, Chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority said: “The Buffalo Niagara International Airport fully supports the new Airline Passenger Bill of Rights in New York State as it helps to provide passengers with basic health and comfort measures during their time of delay. We applaud Governor Spitzer and the Consumer Protection Board for their proactive efforts on behalf of passengers who are delayed on airplanes.” To file a complaint, airline passengers may contact the newly established: Office of the Airline Consumer Advocate New York State Consumer Protection Board 5 Empire State Plaza, Suite 2101, Albany, NY 12223 Phone Toll Free: 1-800-697-1220 www.nysconsumer.gov. - or - Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75 U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington, DC 20590 http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov 1-202-366-2220 Additional information is available on the CPB website at www.nysconsumer.gov. |