American Airlines Slapped with Record Fine for Tarmac Delays

American Airlines has been fined a record-breaking $4.1 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation for unlawfully keeping passengers on planes during tarmac delays lasting three hours or more. Between 2018 and 2021, 43 domestic flights violated the rule, affecting approximately 5,800 passengers. The airline did not provide food or water during the delays, and passengers are owed over $2.5 billion in refunds. American Airlines has apologized to affected customers and stated that the delays were due to exceptional weather events.