Sen. Chuck Schumer, self-styled champion of air passengers’ rights, has thrown his weight around before on shuttle trips between New York and Washington.
Last January, Schumer got officials to move up a US Airways flight so it could leave 16 minutes early — and he could make it to the Capitol for a vote.
The sometimes sharp-elbowed Schumer was booked on a noon shuttle from La Guardia so he could arrive in time for a 2 p.m. vote on public lands legislation.
But the noon flight was delayed and its departure was rescheduled for 1 p.m.
However, the regular 1 p.m. shuttle was waiting at the gate, so Schumer asked the airline to let that flight leave early — with him aboard, according to the Washington Post.
He made it to DC in time for the vote.
Several passengers who had been booked on the noon flight also switched planes.
Schumer’s office later said no one suffered harm because the passengers left behind when the senator’s plane took off 16 minutes early were able to board the delayed noon shuttle.
Schumer has tried to pass a “passenger bill of rights,” guaranteeing that fliers are protected from nuisances such as delays after boarding a plane.