In December 2009, the US Government announced new rules for keeping passengers ‘hostage’ on the tarmac of an airport for long periods of time. This is an effort to keep the traveling public protected from delays and having to sit on a plane on the tarmac for more than a reasonable time.
Reports and news over the years have told stories about passengers stuck inside a plane, on the tarmac for three, five or even 8 hours or more. The penalty to the airline for these type of delays are now very steep as much as $27,500.00 per passenger. These fees will be charged for flights delayed on the tarmac for 3 hours or longer. They do not include delayed flights when passengers are waiting in the terminal since people can walk around, get food and drinks and overall be more comfortable and safe.
The airlines response to these new rules is to cancel a flight due to weather instead of having the plane sit on the tarmac awaiting clearance from the control tower. This is actually a savings to the airline as well, since canceling the flight all together will save the airline on fuel costs.
The Department of Transportation states that these rules are to protect passengers and that all air line travelers have the ‘fundamental right to be treated with respect’. Actually as a frequent traveler, I would prefer to have to wait for a delayed flight in the terminal or have the flight canceled all together. I can get things done, make alternate arrangements and feel more comfortable. These right have taken a long trip in coming but they will turn out to be a good thing for travelers over all.
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