Jan 1, 2008 7:13 pm US/Eastern
Airline Passenger Bill Of Rights Now In Effect
NYS Law Threatens Fines For Long Delays At Area Airports
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
For those who are planning to travel this year, be aware, there is a new law now in effect to protect you in case of long delays. And it means airlines could be fined thousands of dollars if they dont comply to certain rules during your time on board.
Over the past five years airline travel has been on the rise. In 2007 there were more than 6.2 million flights that took to the skies. But more flights seem to mean more problems. Nearly one in four flights were delayed - the highest number in perhaps the past decade.
Critics said the airlines have not kept up with the demand by trimming budgets and staff while operating costs keep going up. But according to the industry, the blames lies with an out of date air traffic control system.
Whatever the cause, passengers are the ones feeling the effects.
It was nearly one year ago that a February storm affected Jet Blue passengers, delaying them on airplanes for more than 10 hours with very little food and little access to toilets.
After that, Jet Blue enacted the first of it's kind, customer bill of rights entitling passengers to vouchers up to a full refund for the price of the ticket.
Starting Tuesday, there's a way to protect yourself legally.
New York State's Airline Passenger Bill of Rights takes effect for the new year. It means that airline passengers in New York who are delayed on planes for more than three hours will not be without basic amenities including: water, snacks, fresh air and working restrooms.
And if they feel their rights are violated, they can report it and airlines could face penalties of up to $100,000 per passenger per violation.
According to Senator Charles Fuschillo who authored the bill, it is to help all passengers who travel through New York's many airports due to the fact a majority of the airline delays occur in this state.
The Airline Passenger Bill of Rights was signed into law back in August, but goes into effect Tuesday, so if you are stuck on the tarmac for more than three hours, keep your rights in mind.
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