Airlines Face Steep Fines For Violating New Tarmac Passenger Rules
Posted on April 27, 2010
Reuters reports that airlines will face steep fines if the violate the new delay rule. The Obama administration will fine airlines up $27,000 per passenger for tarmac delays over three hours.
"There will be strong enforcement," LaHood said. "That has to be part of the plan in order to make sure that passengers understand and airlines understand that we're serious about this."The regulation, which takes effect on Thursday, would fine airlines up to $27,000 per passenger for tarmac delays that exceed three hours. Passengers could be let off a plane, if they request.
The fines are steep but there have been too many incidents where passengers have been stuck on the tarmac in a hot airplane with not food or water for hours on end. The airline industry is threatening that there will be lots of canceled flights because of the new regulations.
CBS explains how the new rules aim to limit the time passengers are stuck on a plane on the tarmac.