(LATimes.com) — Starting late this month, airlines that leave passengers stranded on a tarmac in a delayed plane for three hours or more can face a hefty fine under new rules adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
If carriers don’t let passengers out of the plane before the three-hour mark, the agency can fine them up to $27,500 per customer.
At least three domestic airlines have announced plans to avoid the penalties. But that won’t necessarily cut down on delays.