Flight 2794
 

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am confused with AA interpretation of time spent on a tarmac. To clarify, flight 2794 landed in Long View at 7:05 PM local time and departed at 10:43 PM local time (exactly 3 hours and 38 minutes on the Long View tarmac). So, because AA offered the opportunity to deplane in long View Texas without an opportunity to board the plane again, obtain another flight, or purchase a rental car AA is saying they are exempt from the DOT enacted regulations limiting delays on tarmacs? I believe AA interpretation or loop hole is a blatant stretch in the DOT enacted regulations by AA.

In addition, are you aware of the fact that I am from Chicago and my ticket was for flight 2794 to land in Dallas so I could board my connecting flight 2384 to Chicago? As a result of this snafu I obviously missed flight 2384 to Chicago and had to spend the night in Dallas. Plus, AA did not properly compensate me for a hotel room, cab to the hotel, or food & drink.

Ron Borsellino

I don't think the tarmac delay rule is clear, intentionally. Here's what the DOT website states:

All carriers subject to the tarmac rule will be required to report lengthy tarmac delays to DOT. In all cases, exceptions to the time limits are allowed only for safety, security or air traffic control-related reasons. Carriers must also ensure that passengers stuck on the tarmac are provided adequate food and water after two hours, as well as working lavatories and any necessary medical treatment.

So, if the delay was ATC related, possibly due to weather, they seem to be exempt. Also, they can cancel the flight without penalty, and if it's weather related you will receive 0 compensation.