Two issues in this article. First, are fines on airlines that leave folks stuck in their planes out on the tarmac leading air carriers to cancel more flights? It seems that way, as cases of bad tarmac incidents are way down, but cancellations are up.
But, honestly, I think that's the right direction, given the choice as a flier. Especially since, besides the discomfort and inconvenience of being stuck on the tarmac for hours and hours (either departing or arriving), it probably means you're missing your connections anyway.
And if that means that some smart airlines figure out how to address the problem more effectively, and garner more business in doing so, all the better.
In the case of the specific fine case mentioned in the article, it's clear that American Eagle (one of American's regional carriers) behaved badly, and well deserved their penalty. #ddtb
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Airline passengers can't win on tarmac delays – The Denver Post
WASHINGTON—Sometimes it seems like airline passengers just cant win: The government cracks down on airlines that keep people cooped up on planes that sit on airport tarmacs for endless hours, and car…