American and Delta Settle Claims Over Long Tarmac Delays
Photo Credit: American and Delta have settled claims over tarmac delays. Pictured is an American Airbus A319. American Airlines
Skift Take
The Department of Transportation means well with its tarmac delay program. And it has been helpful for customers, who need not fear being trapped on planes for hours. These fines on the airlines are nothing, but the publicity is a reminder to try to do better.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have settled claims that they ignored rules that would have prevented passengers from being trapped on airplanes for hours on late flights, the Department of Transportation said Thursday.
The fines are minor. American was hit for $1 million for mishandling 13 flights between December 2015 and January 2017, while Delta got hit with a $750,000 fine for several incidents in 2017 and 2018.
The Department of Transportation issued new delay guidelines in 2015, after many passengers complained about being left on aircraft without food for long periods. On domestic flights, airlines must let passengers o
