The Department of Transportation’s new three-hour tarmac rule will be implemented on Thursday.
Airlines operating domestic flights won’t be allowed to exceed three-hour tarmac delays. If carriers don’t deplane passengers before the three-hour time limit, they face heavy fines.
According to the rule, the DOT will fine violating airlines up to $27,500 per passenger. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood did not say if the DOT would seek the maximum penalty, but said there would be “strong enforcement,” according to reports.
Carriers also are required to provide adequate food and drinking water for passengers within two hours of the aircraft being delayed on the tarmac. Airlines also must maintain operable lavatories and provide medical attention if necessary.
Airlines and aviation analysts have said that the new rule would result in an increased number of canceled flights because the penalty for breaking the rule is stiff. If the DOT seeks the maximum penalty for a 100-passenger flight, the offending airline would be fined $2.75 million.
LaHood disagreed that the number of canceled flights would rise.
"We expect carriers to take steps to avoid tarmac delays and cancellations by adjusting their schedules and providing timely information to passengers," he said. "A little extra planning will minimize disruptions while ensuring that passengers are not trapped aboard airplanes indefinitely."