On Time Departures Grounded

The airlines industry is scored on "on time departures" so it is common practice to hustle everyone on the plane whether the plane can actually fly away or not. My own son experienced this about a week ago in Ft. Lauderdale when a Spirit Airlines flight was pushed back from the gate as a huge thunderstorm cell hit from Miami northward. An hour and a half of sitting on the tarmac and the weather abated enough for takeoff.

Still, his flight "departed" on time. Now there is some hope for travelers, but not nearly as much as they might want.

U.S. imposes 3-hour limit on tarmac strandings

By Sholnn Freeman

Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, December 21, 2009; 4:29 PM

Under new federal rules, airlines with loaded jets on the tarmac will now have to get them in the air within three hours, or allow the passengers off.

New U.S. Department of Transportation regulations issued Monday also say that airlines must provide adequate food and potable water for passengers within two hours of an aircraft being delayed on the tarmac. Additionally, airlines must maintain "operable lavatories" and provide passengers on delayed aircraft with necessary medical attention.

The new rules apply to U.S. airlines and domestic flights. They allow exceptions for safety, security and other reasons linked to specific instructions from air traffic control officials.

Passenger advocates and lawmakers have demanded federal action in recent years to combat excessive tarmac delays. The new regulations authorize fines of as much as $27,500 per passenger for violations. The new rules go into effect in about three months, officials said.

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