Air passenger rights crusade still on track: mayor

A Newfoundland and Labrador municipal politician is not deterred by a recent U.S. court ruling that struck down an airline passenger bill of rights.

Woodrow French, mayor of Conception Bay South, has been spearheading a drive to create consumer protection for Canadian air travellers, particularly when flights are cancelled and passengers are stranded.

Earlier this week, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down New York state's passenger bill of rights, saying that the issue comes under federal and not state jurisdiction.

French said municipalities such as his are taking a different approach by lobbying for countrywide changes from the start.

"Certainly we've recognized that air transportation is federally regulated in Canada, and so therefore the federal government will have to enact the proper legislation," French said.

"Of course, that's why I went through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to lobby the federal government."

French said without a bill or rights, Canadian carriers are not required to provide even food or water to stranded passengers.