thanks to the Department of Transportation (DOT) decision last Friday to fine United Airlines
a record $1.1 million for more than a dozen tarmac delays last summer.
The delays took place at Chicago-O'Hare International Airport on July 13, 2012, when thunderstorms caused several ramp closures. The FlyersRights backed DOT rules prohibit U.S. airlines from allowing flights to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours at airports without giving passengers an opportunity to leave the plane, but 13 United flights exceeded the three-hour limit that summer day, the government said.
Some went over the limit by two minutes, and some by more than an hour, with lavatories out of commission on two United Express flights during part of the ordeal. A total of 939 passengers were grounded by the delays without the chance to deplane, according to DOT.
The airline won't have to pay the full $1.1 million fine. Less than half of the penalty -- $475,000 -- is due within 30 days, but the rest is credited to United, including $185,000 for compensation the carrier paid to passengers and $440,000 for the cost of improvements United will make at O'Hare International Airport.
"The good news is that it's a record fine," said Paul Hudson, president of
FlyersRights.org. "They were, for the most part, either not fining airlines or giving very low fines... (so) it's good news, but it could be better news."
Hudson was disappointed that only $185,000 was allocated as compensation to the impacted passengers, amounting to less than $200 per flier. He believes a fine of $10 a minute per passenger over the three-hour limit would be more reasonable compensation.
Hudson also pointed out that as large as the fine is, the government allows penalties of up to $27,500 per passenger for airlines that violate the tarmac delay rules, which would amount to a maximum fine of more than $25 million in this case.
He was also concerned that it's taking the government more than a year to investigate tarmac delay incidents, but called Friday's announcement a positive development.
"It's certainly a (step) in the right direction," Hudson said, adding that it's too early to tell whether United's punishment will help prevent similar incidents in the future.
"What's happening and will probably continue to happen is - unless there are some more attention-getting fines - is that airlines will make the calculation as to whether it's better to accept a fine of a few hundred thousand dollars or to obey the three-hour rule."
Read More: NBC News
Read More: USAToday 
