American Airlines fined $1.6 million for violating tarmac delay rule

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined American Airlines $1.6 million for violating the Department’s rule prohibiting long tarmac delays.  The airline was ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations. This fine represents the highest amount assessed against an airline for violating the tarmac delay rule, matching a similar $1.6 million fine assessed against Southwest Airlines in 2015. “Our tarmac rule is meant to prevent passengers from being trapped in aircraft on the ground for hours on end,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.  “We will continue to take enforcement action as necessary to ensure passengers are