ATW Daily News

DOT tarmac delay task force declines to set time limits

Friday November 14, 2008

US Dept. of Transportation task force comprising representatives from airlines, airports, consumer groups and DOT this week issued recommendations for treating passengers during extended tarmac delays, calling for better communication and improved preparedness to provide stranded passengers with food and water. But the nonbinding "model contingency plan," approved by a 34-1 vote, did not include a suggested set time for returning delayed aircraft back to a gate, a provision desired by consumer advocates and some lawmakers. It also did not recommend any new regulations to govern such situations.

Airlines were pleased with the report while consumer groups said it favored the industry over passengers. "Government data show that there were fewer lengthy onboard delays this summer and customer complaints are down," US Air Transport Assn. said. "The success of the task force clearly demonstrates that not every problem requires a new law or regulation." The task force recommended that airlines should develop contingency plans for dealing with delays that are carefully coordinated with airports and, when an aircraft is delayed on a tarmac, should update passengers every 30 min. and do their best to provide food, water and usable restrooms.

Kate Hanni, founder of the Coalition for an Airline Passenger Bill of Rights, said that the report shows "the game is still heavily weighted to business as usual," adding that the task force did "not come up with a way to get people out of those metal tubes." Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) derided it as "nice window dressing" that provides no "real guarantees that passengers will not be abandoned on the tarmac."

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