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Monday, December 21, 2009

DOT imposes 3-hour rule for tarmac delays

Remember the fight earlier this year over a passenger bill-of-rights? What Congress didn't do with legislation the Department of Transportation has done by regulation: Airlines can no longer strand passengers on planes on airport tarmacs for more than three hours without a good safety or security reason. Heavy fines could follow violations. DOT went further and said it would flag airlines that operate chronically late flights for deceptive trade practices.

The airlines think hard-and-fast rules on tarmac delays are a bad idea and will lead to more cancellations and other "unintended consequences." The rest of us "customers" think it's about time airlines were required to do the right thing for those it calls "passengers." Read more about what DOT did here. 
Posted by Tom BELDEN @ 4:13 PM  Permalink | 1 comment
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:35 PM, 12/28/2009
    This is a huge mistake: http://tinyurl.com/ykud7bo The government is making it seem like it is the airlines' fault that the weather may be terrible or there is heavy traffic. This will only serve to increase cancellations!
    — kenlee82


1 comments
About Tom Belden
Tom Belden has been reporting about Philadelphia International Airport and other air travel subjects for more than 20 years, writing columns for The Inquirer's Travel and Business sections. His reporting (with colleague Craig McCoy) on baggage handling problems in Philadelphia have been credited with helping to improve the system. His previous blog was called Road Warrior. He can reached at tbelden@phillynews.com.
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