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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:
- Electric generation service and temporary power for
fresh air and lights;
- Waste removal service in order to service the
holding tanks for on-board restrooms; and,
- Adequate food, drinking water and other
refreshments.
“The Albany County Airport
Authority supports the new protections afforded our passengers and all
those who travel through New York’s airports,” said John O’Donnell, CEO of
the Albany County Airport Authority. “We will work diligently with
Chairperson Mindy Bockstein and the Consumer Protection Board to ensure our
airlines respect and follow the law.”
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.
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