U.S. carriers operating international flights departing from or arriving in the United States must specify, in advance, their own time limits for deplaning passengers, with the same exceptions applicable.  Carriers are required to provide adequate food and potable drinking water for passengers within two hours of the aircraft being delayed on the tarmac and to maintain operable lavatories and, if necessary, provide medical attention.

Secretary LaHood said the new rule should not lead to large increases in the number of canceled flights, as some have predicted.  “Everyone knows the rules going in – the passengers and the airlines.  We expect carriers to take steps to avoid tarmac delays and cancellations by adjusting their schedules and providing timely information to passengers,” he said.  “A little extra planning will minimize disruptions while ensuring that passengers are not trapped aboard airplanes indefinitely.”

The rule limiting tarmac delays was adopted in response to a series of incidents in which passengers were stranded on the ground aboard aircraft for lengthy periods.

The rule also prohibits the largest U.S. airlines from scheduling chronically delayed flights, subjecting those that do to DOT enforcement action for unfair and deceptive practices.

It requires U.S. airlines to designate an airline employee to monitor the effects of flight delays and cancellations, respond in a timely and substantive fashion to consumer complaints and provide information to consumers on where to file complaints.