Delays on tarmac cost airlines: DOT fines Continental Airlines, ExpressJet and Mesaba Airlines

November 27, 10:16 AMAlbuquerque Travel ExaminerNeala Schwartzberg

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NinoAndonis and MorgueFile

According to the Official Blog of the US Secretary of Transportation (yes, there is an official blog),  aviation Enforcement Office sets precedent with Flight 2816 tarmac-delay fines.

On August 8th passengers were stuck in a plane on the ground in Rochester, Minnesota for almost six hours.

There was much finger-pointing as to who was at fault, but the bottom line, apparently, was that the kids didn't play nicely together and they all were punished.

Said Ray LaHood, Secretary: I hope this sends a signal to the rest of the airline industry that we expect airlines to respect the rights of air travelers.

The Aviation Enforcement Office (AEO) fined Continental Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines $100,000 for their roles in keeping passengers on board Continental Express flight 2816 overnight at Rochester International Airport on August 8, 2009. 

Continental will also provide a full refund to each passenger and also offer passengers additional compensation to materially acknowledge their discomfort. 

We also fined Mesaba Airlines $75,000. Mesaba provided ground handling for the flight.

The Secretary echoes the feelings of all passengers when he said: Look, this is just no way to treat passengers, customers, or anyone. You can't strand people overnight without access to the basics. It's not right; it's against the rules; and I am proud of the Department's Aviation Enforcement Office for its investigation into the complaints of these travelers and for its responsiveness.

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