American Airlines Slapped with $4.1 Million Fine for Lengthy Tarmac Delays

American Airlines has been fined $4.1 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for keeping passengers on board planes during long tarmac delays without allowing them to deplane. The investigation found that 43 domestic flights were stuck on the ground for at least three hours without valid reasons. American Airlines stated that these incidents represented a small fraction of their total flights and that they have taken steps to avoid delays. Most of the delays occurred at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport during thunderstorms.