All articles tagged with #us department of transportation
Tampa International Airport, along with other US airports, is experiencing a 10% reduction in flights due to a federal government shutdown, with cancellations issued in phases by the FAA and Department of Transportation.
The US government is dropping a previous plan to require airlines to pay passengers cash compensation for delays caused by carriers, and is considering rescinding other consumer protection regulations related to airline fees and refunds, as part of a broader effort to reduce regulatory burdens on airlines.
An Aeromexico passenger opened an emergency exit and walked onto the wing during a tarmac delay in Mexico City, prompting a reminder of U.S. passenger rights for tarmac delays. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide food and water during onboard tarmac delays of more than two hours, and an opportunity to leave the plane after three hours for domestic flights or four hours for international flights. However, airlines are not required to provide additional compensation for tarmac delays, and are not obligated to offer full meals, only snacks, during lengthy delays.
Passengers were reportedly stuck on the tarmac for hours at Nashville International Airport, with one woman stating that her flight landed seven and a half hours before she was able to deplane due to a lack of available gates. The U.S. Department of Transportation prohibits airplanes from sitting on the tarmac for more than three hours, except in cases of safety concerns or airport operation disruptions. American Airlines confirmed that two flights were affected and have since deplaned, while the airport directed inquiries to the airline.
Southwest Airlines has reached a historic $140 million civil penalty settlement with the U.S. Department of Transportation over last year's holiday travel chaos. As part of the settlement, Southwest will pay $35 million and provide vouchers to passengers who experienced delays of more than three hours for situations within the airline's control. This settlement is seen as an important victory for consumer protection and sends a message to the commercial aviation industry that passengers have rights. Despite the financial cost to Southwest, the real value of the agreement lies in holding airlines accountable and ensuring better treatment of stranded passengers in the future.
Southwest Airlines has been fined a record $140m by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for its operational meltdown in 2022, during which it cancelled over 16,900 flights. The fine, 30 times larger than any previous airline fine in US history, will primarily compensate affected passengers and send a clear message that airlines will be held accountable for failing their passengers. Southwest will also pay $35m to the government, issue $75 flight credit vouchers for delays over three hours, and has made changes to improve customer service. The DOT has closed its investigation into Southwest's flight schedule, unable to reach a firm conclusion.
Southwest Airlines has reached a $140 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) following the chaotic holiday season in 2022 when nearly 17,000 flights were canceled, leaving over two million travelers stranded. The settlement includes a $35 million fine, the largest in DOT history, which will primarily be used to compensate affected passengers. The DOT found that Southwest violated consumer protection laws by failing to provide adequate customer service assistance and prompt flight status notifications. Southwest will also receive credit for compensation already provided and will distribute $90 million in vouchers to future travelers.
Southwest Airlines has been fined a record $140 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for its operational meltdown during the 2022 holiday travel season. The fine, about 30 times larger than any previous airline fine, will be used to compensate affected customers. The DOT also ordered Southwest to issue a $75 flight credit to passengers whose arrival is delayed over 3 hours due to the airline's fault. The investigation found that Southwest violated consumer protection laws on customer service, flight-status notifications, and refunds. Southwest said it had learned from the incident and made investments to improve customer service.
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.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating a delayed United Airlines flight that was eventually canceled, leaving passengers stuck on the plane for seven hours without air conditioning, food, or water. Passengers, including elderly individuals, babies, and pregnant women, endured extreme heat and discomfort, with one person experiencing a panic attack and vomiting. Despite regulations requiring airlines to provide food and water within two hours of a tarmac delay, no provisions were made. United Airlines has not responded to inquiries about the incident or compensation for affected passengers.
On the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a new rule requiring airlines to make lavatories on new single-aisle aircraft more accessible for wheelchair users. The rule mandates that lavatories be large enough for a passenger with a disability and an attendant to approach, enter, and maneuver within. This announcement is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to improve infrastructure accessibility, including retrofitting old rail and subway stations and potentially allowing passengers to stay in their own wheelchairs when flying. The DOT is also working on rules for better training of airline staff and ensuring future vehicles are designed inclusively.
The US Department of Transportation is awarding $1.7 billion in grants for buying zero- and low-emission buses, with the money going to transit projects in 46 states and territories. The grants will enable transit agencies and state and local governments to buy 1,700 U.S.-built buses, nearly half of which will have zero carbon emissions. The funding comes from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill signed into law by President Joe Biden, who has made it a priority to put more electric vehicles on the road, especially for schools and public transit, in an effort to contain the damage from climate change.
The US Department of Transportation is proposing new rules that would require airlines to compensate passengers for cancellations and disruptions caused by the airlines. The proposed rules would require airlines to offer cash compensation and accommodation vouchers in addition to refunds. The rules would also call for “timely customer service during and after periods of widespread flight irregularities”. The proposals would not be immediately implemented as they went through a months-long rules-making process.