New York, NY – Air Passengers Bill of Rights Signed Into Law.

Travel Alert.

New York, NY – Airline passengers who get stranded on board planes in New York will now be guaranteed to receive some basic comforts, such as food and water, thanks to a new bill signed into law Thursday by Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

The nation’s first-ever “Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights,” which was sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Gianaris and Sen. Charles Fuschillo, goes into effect on Jan. 1.

Whenever an airplane leaves the gate and gets stuck on the tarmac for more than three hours, the carrier will be required to provide electric generators to power fresh air and lights; waste removal services for the on-board restrooms and drinking water, snacks and other refreshments.

The law will also create an Airline Consumer Advocate Office to receive and investigate complaints. [crains]