Airlines Move to Ground Flyer 'Bill of Rights'

The airline industry is in court trying to block a New York "bill of rights" for airline passengers, which could have a big impact on similar measures nationwide. The Air Transport Association of America is arguing that New York has no jurisdiction to require the industry to provide food, water, fresh air and clean toilets for passengers stuck on planes for more than three hours.

The law is slated to take effect January 1. Passenger advocates slammed the industry for the move. “They will sit there with a straight face and argue against a law that simply says that someone stuck on a plane is entitled to a drink of water and the use of a bathroom,” one fumed. A decision in the case is expected in a week. (More airline stories.)