Op-ed
Legislation Ensures Emergency Basics For Airline Passengers
BY ASSEMBLYMEMBER MICHAEL GIANARIS

This winter, several delayed flights unwittingly trapped passengers for endless stretches of time in the cramped, stuffy cabins of airlines without any relief.

On Valentine's Day, passengers were held for more than nine hours on a JetBlue flight at John F. Kennedy with little food, little air and no power. Other JetBlue flights were similarly stalled, one with bathrooms overflowing. On St. Patrick's day, passengers were stuck for 14 hours aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight. People on a Swiss [Air] flight to Zurich were trapped on board for eight hours and a Virgin Atlantic flight to London left after a nine and one-half hour wait. A Cathay Pacific flight to Vancouver was finally canceled after a wait on the runway of more than nine hours.

Airline passengers stranded on New York's runways should have basic amenities to make their wait more tolerable. My legislation creating an airline passenger bill of rights will ensure more humane treatment for airline passengers in such stressful situations. The measure, which passed the Assembly and senate, now goes to the governor for consideration.

Travel brings its share of hassles and frustrations, especially in today's post- 9/11 climate where safety concerns replace the once unfettered path from door to tarmac, meaning longer lines at airport check points to confirm identities, stop potentially dangerous persons and scan baggage and clothing for weapons and other items that can threaten our security.

Passengers also cope with unforeseen delays caused by weather and mechanical problems. In these instances, basic amenities like bathroom facilities and clean air and water should be available to safeguard passengers' health and well-being.

The New York State Airline Passenger Bill of Rights will require the availability of electricity to provide fresh air and light, working bathrooms, and adequate food and drinking water if the wait runs longer than three hours. In addition, the legislation creates the Office of the Airline Consumer Advocate to resolve passenger complaints, investigate bill of rights violations and refer cases for legal action by the office of the Attorney General, which can result in civil penalties.

New York state is a hub for millions of travelers. In 2006, JFK handled about 43 million passengers, Newark International nearly 36 million, and La Guardia approximately 26 million passengers, making New York airports the busiest in the United States. We have a responsibility to ensure that airlines provide basic amenities at all times- especially during delays and emergencies- that protect the health and safety of passengers. I urge the governor to sign this bipartisan legislation to ensure these basic rights to airline consumers.

Assemblymember Michael Gianaris represents the 36th Assembly District, Astoria.