Federal Guidelines Won't Take Effect For Three Weeks

At least two airlines have already implemented policies to send airplanes back to the gate if they are closing in on a three-hour tarmac delay. New federal rules which go into effect April 29 limit how long passengers may be held on a plane to three hours, and airlines who violate those rules face hefty fines.

Both Continental Airlines and US Airways said Monday they have implemented new policies well head of the end-of-the-month deadline. There are exceptions in both airline's policies for safety and other issues, but it is not clear how often they might be used.

Syracuse.com reports that US Airways told employees in an internal newsletter that "If a plane is out on the taxiway for two-and-a-half hours, and takeoff isn't imminent, the pilots will make an announcement and return to the gate." The airline said it expects that airplanes that return to the gate may result in more cancelled flights as crews exceed flight time rules.

Continental Airlines said if an airplane does not expect to take off before the deadline passes, pilots are directed to "reposition the aircraft at either a remote area or a gate, where customers may deplane safely and securely." Continental's CEO Jeff Smisek has also warned that the new rules may lead to more flight cancellations to avoid paying fines of $27,500 per passenger.

Several of the major carriers have requested exemptions in the rule for airports in the New York area. The DOT is collecting comments on potential waivers through Friday.

FMI: www.usairways.com, www.continental.com, www.dot.gov