DOT has just guaranteed absolute bedlam for future weather events
Posted on 22. Dec, 2009 by Chip in Airlines, Blog
The Department of Transportation has just guaranteed absolute bedlam for all future weather events. They passed a rule requiring airlines to supply food after two hours, and allow passengers off an aircraft after three, for any delay. If they don’t, a $27,500 fine per passenger can result. Sounds reasonable; unless you know anything at all about how the airline industry works.
“I don’t know what can be more disruptive to people than to be stuck sitting on a plane five, six, seven hours with no explanation,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said at a briefing.
Snow and or ice falling might explain it, I’m just saying. I also know what could be more disruptive; how about not getting to your destination at all! All those years as an Educator and Congressman obviously prepared Mr. LaHood to lead the largest transportation system in the world.
Here is how it will go: A snow storm sweeps into LaGuardia, O’Hara, Denver or DFW; a line forms for deicing and takeoff. As the wait hits 3 hours all it will take is a single passenger to demand to get off. At best that will cause the aircraft to come out of the line and go back to a gate. This will also require a gate to be available, not likely. And it will also mean back into the deicing line and then back into the take off line (at the end); for the rest of the passengers it will mean doubling their sit time or more likely, the flight will cancel. Worst case scenario the entire field will shut down as aircraft jockey to let the one passenger get off one aircraft. Holdover times on de-icing fluid will expire; crew times will run out, because if you return to the gate you have to refigure crew rest. In short absolute bedlam; remember it is a DOT rule so the airport will have to comply.
And the discount carriers? They will be required to supply food after 2 hour delays. They don’t cater, now what? Simple, after two hours they will cancel. If there is a cloud in the sky at any major airport in the future think twice about going; all it will take to cancel your flight is a single disgruntled passenger. Now imagine at least one passenger on each aircraft; gridlock.
Here is an idea: a very simple solution; if a delay is expected just have the airlines announce a long sit in line will be likely. If you don’t want to sit over 3 hours then please don’t board the aircraft. That way the rest of the thousands of people can be on their way.
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