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New US rules aid passengers stuck on tarmac
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Posted by Paul Makishima, Globe Assistant Sunday Editor
December 22, 2009 12:19 PM
It's about time.
The White House announced rules that will require airlines to let passengers get off planes after three hours.
The new regulations, which apply only to domestic flights, go into effect in 120 days. American carriers operating international flights to and from the United States must outline in advance their time limits for holding passengers. Airlines face fines of $27,500 per passenger for each violation of the new limit.
The only exceptions are for safety or security reasons or if it has been determined that returning to the terminal would disrupt airport operations.
Representatives for the airlines predict that the rules will bring more canceled flights and inconvenience for passengers. Typically, planes are held on the ground while either mechanical problems or airport traffic snags are being resolved. The rationale for keeping passengers aboard planes is that flights can depart as soon as the issues are cleared up.
US regulators dismissed those concerns.
The problem is not a small one. There are an average of 1,500 domestic flights a year carrying about 114,000 passengers that are delayed more than three hours, according to 2007 and 2008 data from the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Virtually any passenger who flies with any regularity has a story (I, myself once spent five hours on the tarmac in Sacramento; it was in the summer; it was hot; it got ugly inside the plane).
Do you have any good stuck-on-the-tarmac stories?
The White House announced rules that will require airlines to let passengers get off planes after three hours.
The new regulations, which apply only to domestic flights, go into effect in 120 days. American carriers operating international flights to and from the United States must outline in advance their time limits for holding passengers. Airlines face fines of $27,500 per passenger for each violation of the new limit.
The only exceptions are for safety or security reasons or if it has been determined that returning to the terminal would disrupt airport operations.
Representatives for the airlines predict that the rules will bring more canceled flights and inconvenience for passengers. Typically, planes are held on the ground while either mechanical problems or airport traffic snags are being resolved. The rationale for keeping passengers aboard planes is that flights can depart as soon as the issues are cleared up.
US regulators dismissed those concerns.
The problem is not a small one. There are an average of 1,500 domestic flights a year carrying about 114,000 passengers that are delayed more than three hours, according to 2007 and 2008 data from the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Virtually any passenger who flies with any regularity has a story (I, myself once spent five hours on the tarmac in Sacramento; it was in the summer; it was hot; it got ugly inside the plane).
Do you have any good stuck-on-the-tarmac stories?
contributors
- Anne Fitzgerald, Globe Travel Editor
- Paul Makishima, Globe Assistant Sunday Editor
- Eric Wilbur, Boston.com staff
- Kari Bodnarchuk writes about outdoor adventures, offbeat places, and New England.
- Patricia Borns, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs travel, maritime, and historical narratives as well as blogs and books.
- Patricia Harris, a regular contributor to Globe Travel, is author or co-author of more than 20 books on travel, food, and popular culture.
- Paul E. Kandarian, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs New England and Caribbean stories.
- Chris Klein is a regular contributor to Globe Travel. His latest book is ‘‘The Die-Hard Sports Fan’s Guide to Boston.’’
- David Lyon, a regular contributor to Globe Travel, is author or co-author of more than 20 books on travel, food, and popular culture.
- Hilary Nangle is a regular contributor to Globe Travel. Her latest guidebook is Moon Maine (Avalon Travel, 2008)
- Joe Ray, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs food and travel stories from Europe.
- Kimberly Sherman writes about unique happenings throughout New England.
