NEW YORK -- New York lawmakers are backing year-old federal legislation that gives airline passengers the right to fresh air, food and bathrooms when planes are stranded on runways.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer said he will push for swift passage of the legislation creating the first-in-the-nation passenger bill of rights. An appeals court this week struck down a New York state law requiring airlines to give passengers basic services aboard delayed planes.

Schumer says the law sponsored by California Sen. Barbara Boxer should be passed to protect passengers. The New York City area has the worst flight delays in the nation.

The bill, introduced in February 2007, would require airlines to let passengers leave a delayed plane after it has sat in the ground for three hours.