The Department of Transportation has fined American Airlines more than $4 million for keeping passengers confined for hours on aircraft stuck on the tarmac, causing physical and psychological distress for thousands of travelers, the Washington Post reports.
“Whether the issue is extreme tarmac delays or problems getting refunds, DOT will continue to protect consumers and hold airlines accountable,” Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. FAA rules require airlines to allow passengers to leave a plane if it has been delayed after boarding for three hours on domestic flights or four hours for an international flight.
Between 2018 and 2021, American held more than 5,800 passengers on 43 flights for more than the permitted idling time. The company had already paid half the fine as reimbursement to the passengers impacted, while the other half will be applied as a fine.