CNN —American Airlines is facing the largest-ever fine for keeping passengers waiting on board airplanes during hours-long delays.
The Department of Transportation is levying the $4.1 million fine, “the largest civil penalty that the Department has ever assessed” it said in a statement, for lengthy tarmac delays of 43 flights that impacted more than 5,800 passengers.
In the longest of the delays, passengers sat aboard a plane in Texas in August 2020 for six hours and three minutes.
Current rules also require airlines provide passengers water and a snack.
American would pay $2.05 million of the fine to the government and has been credited for paying the other half in passenger compensation.
Organizations:
CNN — American Airlines, Department of Transportation, Fort Worth, CNN
Locations:
Texas, Dallas, American