The U.S. Department of Transportation today issued a rule that requires U.S. airlines to allow passengers to deplane if a domestic tarmac delay reaches three hours, with some exceptions. The rule, expected to take effect in spring 2010, also requires U.S. carriers operating international flights to specify time limits deplaning delayed passengers.
The rule also prohibits U.S. carriers from scheduling "chronically delayed flights," subjecting those who do to penalties for "unfair and deceptive practices," DOT said.
"Airline passengers have rights, and these new rules will require airlines to live up to their obligation to treat their customers fairly," DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said in a release.
The rule, announced only weeks after DOT fined several carriers for their part in a six-hour August 2008 tarmac delay in Rochester, Minn.
(BTNonline, Dec. 7), allows exceptions only for "safety or security or if air traffic control advises the pilot in command that returning to the terminal would disrupt airport operation," DOT said.
As part of the same rule, DOT today also announced requirements for U.S. airlines to designate employees to monitor the effects of flight delays and respond to complaints, display flight delay information on their Websites and adopt and audit their own compliance with customer service plans.
DOT said it is considering further action, including "a requirement that airlines submit to the Department for review and approval their contingency plans for lengthy tarmac delays; reporting of additional tarmac delay data; disclosure of baggage fees; and strengthening requirements that airline ads disclose the full fare consumers must pay for tickets."