New Airline Tarmac Law Takes Effect

[Dave]

Starting today airlines are under new rules regarding how long passengers can be kept aboard airplanes sitting at gates and tarmacs. You can read more HERE.

But is it really a good thing? Some travel experts predict airlines will simply cancel flights if they anticipate violating the rules, which could mean much more lengthy delays for passengers who would have to be rebooked.

[Jim C.]

I'd much rather they cancel the flight then strand me in a plane for 2 hours. At least if they cancel it, I have a chance at re-booking on another flight.

Time will tell, but I don't think its just the airlines that should be involved in the fix. The airports themselves need to make it less of an issue for a plane to return to a gate. I'm also sure there are FAA rules that get involved in the problem too....

[Dave]

I agree. Let me out and I'll work on my own arrangements in the terminal. I've been lucky and the longest wait I've ever had was perhaps an hour. Not much more than that. It I were to sit for hours on end I'd be speaking in tongues, in a non-religious sense.

Gate management could certainly use improvements.