Leaving Air Passengers Stranded

Air Transport Association of America, Inc. v. Cuomo -

How would you like to be trapped in a cramped space for hours on end with no water, fresh or, or even light?  According to three judges appointed by President George W. Bush, state governments are powerless to do anything about it.  These judges handed a major victory to the airline industry at the expense of millions of passengers.

The scenario above is not just speculation: hundreds of people were trapped without food, fresh air or electricity on grounded flights at JFK airport.  In response, New York passed a Passenger Bill of Rights.  This very moderate law requires that when passengers are delayed for more than three hours on an aircraft prior to takeoff, the airline must provide power for fresh air and lights, removal of waste from restrooms, and adequate food and drinking water.  Seems reasonable, right?  Not if you ask the airline industry.  It sued to block enforcement of the law - evidently desiring to retain the discretion to keep passengers in dark, fetid aircraft without food and water.

 

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