Airline Passengers Are Now Allowed Off Stuck Planes

So far I have been lucky enough to skirt by having to sit on a plane for extended periods, and it is really rather unfortunate that customer complaints had to prompt a rule like this to go into effect.  But I am glad to see there is now something in place to allow people to get off a plane if there is a delay over 3.5 hours.

As many of us know 3.5 hours is longer that most domestic flights (depending on destination) but when you're delay could be up to 10 hours it is nice to get off a cramped plane to get some real food and something to drink.

Dec. 21 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. airlines would have to let passengers off planes stuck on airport tarmacs after three hours, under a new federal rule prompted by consumer complaints.

The rule, which takes effect in April, exempts airlines from the limit for safety or security, or if air-traffic controllers say returning to the gate would disrupt airport operations, the Transportation Department said today in a statement. The rule applies to domestic flights; airlines flying International routes would set separate limits.

"Airline passengers have rights, and these new rules will require airlines to live up to their obligation," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said today in a written statement. 

The airline industry has been struggling for the past few years and while most travelers would like to blame the airline industry we can only blame ourselves.  Travelers are always looking for the lowest fare and airlines need passengers to operate.  Then travelers complain about the cut rate service because they are unwilling to pay what it costs to actually travel, as a result service and accommodations suffer.

Gone are the times of a full can of soda and in-flight meals, gone are the times when you could check up to 2 bags per person for free, and gone are the times when airlines will actually take care of their passengers.  They still know you have choices in air travel and they know you picked them not for the service or clean planes but because of destination and cost.

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