First, I am astonished that this regulation has not been applied to international flights. It should be applied in all situations, although there are some complications where the diversion takes place at a smaller, regional airport with limited customs and immigration.
The "told you so" responses of the problems that have arisen ignore one basic fact. It was the egregious abuse of the power to hold passengers that led to this regulation. Had the airlines acted reasonably at all times, this regulation would never have come into force. Holding people on the tarmac at Orlando or Atlanta while a thunderstorm passes through is one thing. Holding people hostage on a plane for 8 hours is another. This regulation came about because airlines abused their power, not because of self publicists like Kate Hanni.
|