Airlines Can't Snow Flying Public in New York - Federal Judge Upholds New York Passengers...

Airlines Can't Snow Flying Public in New York - Federal Judge Upholds New York
Passengers Rights Law

NAPA VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Holiday gifts came
early to airline passengers in 2007. Airline passengers who travel through New
York airports are entitled to fresh air, water, sanitation and food according
to federal district court Judge Kahn. Earlier this week, the major U.S.
airlines attempted to overturn New York's Passenger Bill of Rights in U.S.
District Court stating that the law was unconstitutional. Judge Kahn disagreed
writing, "It threatens the public health to contain people on grounded
airplanes for hours without these necessities." Kate Hanni, who attended the
court hearing in Albany said, "Clearly the airlines have a callous disregard
for the needs of airline passengers during long tarmac delays. It's incredible
that we need a federal court to ensure that their essential needs are met."
The law was sponsored by State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo and
Assemblyman Michael Gianaris who applauded the decision in separate
statements. "Thanks to the leadership of Senator Fuschillo and Assemblyman
Gianaris, airline passengers can now claim their first victory for basic human
rights when trapped on an aircraft," said Mrs. Hanni.
CAPBOR filed an amicus brief to intervene in the lawsuit on behalf of
consumers. Prepared by attorneys Burt Rubin and Paul Hudson, the brief had a
decided effect. "We are especially gratified that the Court accepted the
CAPBOR position that 'the provision of fresh air, water, food and bathroom
access to passengers who have spent three hours confined on the runway' is not
within the definition of airline services," CAPBOR Special Counsel Rubin said.
"This represents a major victory and positions us to move forward with similar
measures in other states."
The Coalition urges other states move quickly to adopt similar health and
safety measures. "If the federal government won't enact a uniform standard,
states must fill the void," added Mrs. Hanni.
The Coalition for an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights (CAPBOR) is the
only non-profit consumer group for airline passengers in the U.S. CAPBOR is
the fastest growing grassroots coalition in history with over 21,000 members
since being established February 10th, 2007. For additional information email
kate@flyersrights.com or mark@flyersrights.com or go to www.flyersrights.org.
Our 24/7 hotline number is 1-877-FLYERS6.
SOURCE The Coalition for an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights

Kate Hanni, Founder of the Coalition for an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights
(CAPBOR), +1-707-337-0328, kate@flyersrights.com