A new regulation announced by the Department of Transportion on Monday, that goes into effect 120 days from December 21, 2009, sets limits for airline delays on the tarmac.
The time limit, applying only to domestic flights, states that after three hours of sitting on the tarmac either waiting for departure, a gate, weather clearance, etc., passengers have the right to deplane and get off the aircraft.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood commented that "airline passengers have rights, and these new rules will require airlines to live up to their obligation to treat their customers fairly."
There are few exceptions to the new regulation, such as situations in which deplaning would present safety or security concerns, or if it would be disruptive to airport operations by moving an aircraft out of the departure line or across taxiways.
The new regulation could cause an increased number of flight cancellations and delays as airlines won't risk a flight sitting on the tarmac because of the chance it may have to return to the gate, and incur the airline additional costs.
Instances of extreme tarmac delays usually take place during peak travel days and winter weather operations.
Photo Credit: Flickr/Redjar
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