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American Airlines Hit with Record $4.1 Million DOT Fine Over Extensive Tarmac Delays
In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined American Airlines $4.1 million for violating federal rules on tarmac delays, making it the largest fine of its kind to date.
Morristown, NJ — The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that it is fining American Airlines a whopping $4.1 million for numerous violations of federal laws prohibiting tarmac delays longer than three hours without offering passengers an opportunity to deplane. This is the largest fine ever imposed for this type of violation and underscores DOT's renewed focus on enforcing passenger rights.
The DOT's intensive investigation, carried out by its Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP), discovered that between 2018 and 2021, American Airlines failed to let passengers deplane on 43 domestic flights, affecting a total of 5,821 passengers. Most of these delays occurred at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
The airline broke the DOT's tarmac delay rule by not allowing passengers to leave the aircraft despite exceeding the federally mandated three-hour delay period. The DOT clarified that no exceptions to this rule, such as safety and security concerns, were applicable in these instances. Moreover, on one of the 43 flights, the airline did not even provide food and water to stranded passengers as mandated by law.
Out of the $4.1 million fine, $2.05 million will be credited back to the airline for compensation already provided to affected passengers. The DOT encourages this approach, aiming to benefit the passengers directly rather than routing the fine to the Federal Treasury.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to hold airlines accountable. “This is the latest action in our continued drive to enforce the rights of airline passengers,” Buttigieg stated.
Today's penalty is not an isolated event but forms part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s extensive plans to improve rights and protections for air travelers. Earlier this year, new rulemaking initiatives were introduced to require airlines to compensate passengers for amenities such as meals and hotel accommodations when the airlines are responsible for delays. Additionally, Secretary Buttigieg has advocated for fee-free family seating, a proposal now under rulemaking that would require all airlines to comply.
While the tarmac delays primarily occurred at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the ruling sets a precedent that directly impacts all airlines operating in the U.S., including those servicing New Jersey's airports. The fine serves as a stern reminder to airlines of the consequences of neglecting passenger rights and should encourage more robust consumer protections in the aviation industry.
The DOT is continuing its push to establish new regulations that will enhance transparency around ancillary fees and provide more consumer protections, including the obligation for airlines to offer refunds for canceled or significantly changed flights regardless of the reason for the disruption.
The DOT’s record-setting fine against American Airlines clearly indicates the federal government’s intensified efforts to hold airlines accountable for passenger inconveniences. Residents of Morris County and the state of New Jersey can consider this a pivotal moment in air travel regulation, with the potential for improved consumer protections in the future.
