The Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed a record $4.1 million fine on American Airlines for violating federal rules that limit the time passengers can be kept on the tarmac without an opportunity to deplane. The fine covers 43 flights that affected more than 5,800 passengers between 2018 and 2021.
According to the DOT, most of the delays occurred at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, one of the airline’s hubs, where passengers were trapped on planes for hours without food, water, or access to restrooms. Some of the delays lasted more than four hours, exceeding the three-hour limit for domestic flights and the four-hour limit for international flights.
“The Department is committed to ensuring that airline passengers are treated fairly when they fly, and that includes receiving timely service when their flight is delayed on the tarmac,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement.
American Airlines said the delays were caused by exceptional weather events and that it has invested in technology to improve its operations. The airline also said it has provided compensation to passengers affected by the delays, such as vouchers, miles, refunds, or rebookings.
“We are committed to providing a safe, reliable and positive travel experience for our customers, and we have made significant investments in our operation to improve our performance during irregular operations,” said American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein.
Under the consent order, American Airlines will pay half of the fine to the government and the other half will be credited for compensation provided to passengers. The airline also agreed to improve its compliance with the tarmac delay rules and submit regular reports to the DOT.
Consumer groups welcomed the DOT’s action and said it sends a clear message to airlines that they must follow the law and treat their passengers with respect.
“This is a clear message to airlines that they must follow the law and treat their passengers with respect,” said Kurt Ebenhoch, executive director of Travel Fairness Now, a consumer advocacy group.
“American Airlines has been a repeat offender when it comes to tarmac delays, and this fine should serve as a wake-up call for them to improve their service quality,” said Paul Hudson, president of FlyersRights.org, another consumer group.
Relevant articles:
– DOT issues largest-ever fine to American Airlines for tarmac delays, CNN, August 28, 2023
– DOT hits American Airlines with largest-ever fine over tarmac delays, Axios, August 29, 2023
– American Airlines hit with record fine for keeping passengers on tarmac for hours, MSN, August 29, 2023
– DOT hits American Airlines with record $4.1 million fine over tarmac delays, MSN, August 29, 2023