American Airlines Fined $4.1 Million for Lengthy Tarmac Delays
American Airlines is facing the largest-ever fine for keeping passengers waiting on board airplanes during hours-long delays. The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the $4.1 million fine, stating that it is the largest civil penalty ever assessed by the department.
The fine comes as a result of lengthy tarmac delays on 43 flights between 2018 and 2021, affecting more than 5,800 passengers. In the most extreme case, passengers were forced to sit aboard a plane in Texas for six hours and three minutes in August 2020. The flight had been diverted from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport due to severe weather, with the DOT claiming that American Airlines did not have sufficient resources to handle the situation properly.
Under federal rules, the maximum time that passengers can be held without the opportunity to get off prior to takeoff or after landing is three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights. Airlines are also required to provide passengers with water and a snack during these delays.
While American Airlines claimed that all the delays were due to “exceptional weather events,” the company acknowledges that these incidents represented a very small number of the 7.7 million flights during the same time period. To address these issues, the airline stated that it has invested in technology to handle flights in severe weather and reduce congestion at airports.
American Airlines will pay $2.05 million of the fine to the government and has already credited the other half in passenger compensation. The company emphasized its commitment to improving customer experience and employee satisfaction, stating that their efforts are already providing significant benefits and they are continually seeking innovative ways to further improve.
This substantial fine sends a strong message to airlines regarding the importance of providing adequate resources and support to passengers during times of delays and disruptions. It serves as a reminder that adherence to federal rules and regulations is crucial in ensuring a positive travel experience for all passengers.