If the new DOT rule were in place now, this might have been averted. The Senate just passed the bill under Airline Passenger Bill of Rights the “Tarmac Rule” as written by Senators Barbara Boxer and Olympia Snowe but its still has not been in conference and on the president's desk for signature!  When signed, the rule will go into effect April 29, 2010.

“Airline passengers have rights, and these new rules will require airlines to live up to their obligation to treat their customers fairly,” said. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood who announced a new rule that significantly strengthens protections afforded to consumers by, among other things, establishing a hard time limit after which U.S. airlines must allow passengers to deplane from domestic flights. 

The new rule will prohibits U.S. airlines operating domestic flights from permitting an aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours without deplaning passengers. With exceptions allowed only for safety or security or if air traffic control advises the pilot in command that returning to the terminal would disrupt airport operations. 

Isn't it time that the House and Senate resolve their differences in the FAA Bill which contains permanent protections for airline passengers' health, well being and safety; and turn this bill into a law that passengers can count on to protect them from this random abuse? 

Carriers will be required to provide adequate food and potable drinking water for passengers within two hours of the aircraft being delayed on the tarmac and to maintain operable lavatories and, if necessary, provide medical attention. Under the new rule airlines will have to pay $27,500 for each passenger stuck for more than three hours on the tarmac. Consumer advocate groups who have worked hard to push for more passenger protections welcomed this new bill.