Results from a recent TripAdvisor survey suggest passengers support the U.S. Department of Transportation’s new tarmac delay rules. The new regulations go into effect today and airlines could face penalties of up to $27,500 per passenger for aircraft left stranded on the tarmac for more than three hours. The survey of more than 1,050 U.S. respondents asked travelers for their thoughts on the new regulations, as well as regulations currently in the works.
An overwhelming 99 percent of respondents said passengers should be given the opportunity to get off an airplane if the flight has been delayed for three hours or more. However, 53 percent of respondents believe the new rules could increase flight cancellations. Only 30 percent of respondents believe the new rule will help.
On delays in general, 58 percent of respondents said they have experienced ground delays of one to three hours. Eighty-two percent of respondents said airlines do not do a good job on explaining ground delays to passengers. More than half of respondents, 61 percent, believe that government needs to do more to protect passengers’ rights.
Some airlines, like Continental Airlines, have already publicly stated that they will cancel flights at 2 hours and 45 minutes to avoid the potentially massive fines – see Airlines More Likely to Cancel Flights to Avoid Fines.
“While some aspects of the new limit on ground delays enacted by the DOT are good for travelers, it places all of the responsibility for delays on the carrier and includes significant financial penalties without addressing the underlying issues with the air traffic infrastructure,” said Jami Counter, senior director of TripAdvisor Flights. “Because of this, airlines are likely to be more cautious in the near-term and may cancel more flights at congested airports and during poor weather in order to avoid hefty fines. This could cause additional headaches for many travelers – something I’m sure the DOT didn’t intend.”
“In the long-term, this rule could serve as a step forward on the issue of airline passenger rights, especially if it leads to further changes,” Counter continued. “For instance, modernizing air traffic control operations could help alleviate delays. Also, pushing for more transparency in airfare pricing would help untangle the maze of airline fees for travelers. TripAdvisor Flights, for example, has taken a step in this direction by allowing travelers to factor in the cost of fees for checked baggage and other amenities into their ticket prices before they book.”
Do you think the new rules will be helpful? Why or why not?
