Airline trade group seeks to block New York passenger protection law

Although the federal government has yet to enact any significant passenger rights legislation, New York State did so several months ago – and that law, which would penalize carriers for poor treatment of passengers stuck on aircraft during long ground delays, is due to take effect January 1. But USA Today is reporting that the Air Transport Association, the airlines’ trade organization, has petitioned a state court in Albany to block the new law. The ATA’s argument is the same one it rolls out any time a state legislature tries to regulate airlines: Only the federal government has the authority to do so, ATA claims, because a patchwork system of varying state laws would create an impossible situation for airlines. A hearing is reportedly scheduled for this week on ATA’s request.