Photo Credit: matt.hintsa on Flickr
Happy Holidays, travelers! Per the newly minted rule from the U.S. Department of Transportation, domestic flights are prohibited from remaining on the tarmac for more than three hours with passengers on board. Citing that, “Airline passengers have rights,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood promises that “these new rules will require airlines to live up to their obligation to treat their customers fairly.”
No small victory for passengers’ rights organizations, the new rule also requires airlines to provide adequate food and water for all onboard within two hours of a flight’s delay on the tarmac. Restrooms must continue to function and medical attention to those in need must also be provided, if necessary.
These and all other aspects of the new rule bring the United States closer to the European Union with regard to airline regulations that protect the rights of travelers. An exception to the new three-hour rule would be allowed only for safety or security reasons, or if air traffic controllers deem that a return to the terminal would disrupt airport operations.
Have you ever been stranded for hours on the tarmac? Thankfully that should happen less, moving forward.
Tags: air travel, government rules and regulations, passenger's rights, Travel
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