American Airlines has been fined $4.1 million by the Transportation Department for repeatedly violating federal rules regarding tarmac delays. This hefty penalty marks the largest ever imposed by the agency for such infractions. The violations occurred on 43 domestic flights between 2018 and 2021, where passengers were left stranded on the tarmac for over three hours without the opportunity to deplane.
The majority of these delays took place at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, which serves as American Airlines’ main hub. Other incidents occurred at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, San Antonio International Airport, and Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington. The most severe delay happened in San Antonio, where a flight with 105 passengers sat on the tarmac for a frustrating six hours in August 2020.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of airline passengers. Secretary Buttigieg stated, “This is the latest action in our continued drive to enforce the rights of airline passengers. Whether the issue is extreme tarmac delays or problems getting refunds, D.O.T. will continue to protect consumers and hold airlines accountable.”
American Airlines spokesperson Sarah Jantz acknowledged the carrier’s efforts to mitigate tarmac delays, including the deployment of a tool that adjusts flight timings in response to adverse weather conditions. Jantz explained that while the delays were primarily caused by exceptional weather events, they constituted a minimal proportion compared to the airline’s total of 7.7 million flights during the specified timeframe. American Airlines has since apologized to affected passengers and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused.
As part of the fine, American Airlines will only need to pay half of the $4.1 million to the federal government. The remaining half will be credited to the airline for compensations provided to affected passengers.
It is worth noting that the federal prohibition on lengthy tarmac delays was implemented during the Obama administration. This regulation specifies that for domestic flights, airlines are prohibited from keeping passengers on the tarmac for more than three hours without the chance to deplane, while the limit for international flights is four hours.
Under Secretary Buttigieg’s leadership, the Transportation Department strives to enhance the flying experience for travelers while promoting accountability among airlines for their performance.
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