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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights, (AAPR) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (“DOT”) decision to levy the first-of-its-kind fine under its new tarmac delay rule. The $900,000 fine, which was announced against American Eagle, came in response to excessive tarmac delays at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on May 29, 2011, which impacted 15 flights and 608 passengers.
“DOT’s decision to exercise its regulatory authority to fine American Eagle for excessive tarmac delays is a small victory for airline passengers in their ongoing fight to force the airline industry to treat its customers humanely during incidents such as the one that occurred on May 29th at O’Hare,” said Brandon M. Macsata, Executive Director of the Association for Airline Passenger Rights. “While we most certainly don’t hold airlines accountable for inclement weather, we definitely hold them responsible for the way in which they respond to the ba