New DoT rule limits tarmac delay time
April 29, 2010, 06:59 pm
Consumers who take to the air with domestic carriers may see some better treatment as the result of a new rule from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Starting on April 29, airlines will not be allowed to have one of their planes stay on the tarmac at large- and medium-hub airports in excess of three hours without getting passengers off the aircraft. The exceptions to this rule include reasons associated with safety and security, or if the control tower at the airport concludes that returning the plane to the gate would interfere with airport operations.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that the department expects airlines to adjust their schedules in order to help avoid tarmac delays and that passengers deserve to be treated fairly.
"A little extra planning will minimize disruptions while ensuring that passengers are not trapped aboard airplanes indefinitely," LaHood said.
The Transportation Department adopted to rule after a number of high-profile incidents during which travellers were stranded for hours in airplanes. For example, the New York Daily News reported last year about Sun County Flight 242, which was stuck on the tarmac at Kennedy Airport for six hours waiting for its departure.
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