US Airlines Can Face Fines On Delays

A judgment which could turn around the way aviation industry functions in US has been implemented. As per the initiative undertaken by the Transportation department of US, airlines will get fined for keeping aboard the passengers for more than three hours. This covers taxiway waiting, passengers on board waiting for takeoff and other ground delays. If three hours timeline is exceeded airlines might end up paying $27,000 per passenger. Apart from this, airliners have to ensure that the passengers get food, water and adequate washroom facilities in case of long delays.

It is estimated that during last 12 calendar months from October, 2008 and October, 2009, more than 1100 cases of delays for more than three hours have been cited costing an estimated $10 million of loss to the economy.

The law passed by the Transportation department of US has seen mixed response from all corners. From service provider's point of view it would mean that there will be more flight cancellations and rescheduling. This might in turn cause more chaotic situation amongst the passengers.

In the long term it would be interesting to note the repercussions of the law. However, it will definitely add on a consumer protection part to it. Passengers would feel more protected by the law and may exercise it at will if need be. At the same time service providers need to sharpen up their services in order to avoid any delays of services whatsoever. This would streamline the way aviation industry functions. To start with this applies to all domestic air carriers. International carriers are not covered under this law.

A push to pass this law was primarily the incident of 6 hour delay caused by the Continental airlines. Transportation department proposed a fine of $175,000 on the airlines in order to provide compensation to the onboard passengers.

Decision to let people out of the aircraft rests with pilot. He will decide if it is safer for passengers to stay inside the aircraft for security reasons the timeline of 3 hours can be exceeded. Otherwise airliners have to comply with the laws and pay fine for the long delay. During all such cases an onboard passenger cannot be denied of food, water and other medical or bathroom facilities. In case of any medical emergency, negligence caused on the part of the crew will be in turn dealt seriously.

read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BK2DZ20091221