Report Shows Only 3 Airplanes On The Tarmac Over Three Hours In June

FlyersRights.org says that the latest official DOT data refutes claims by airlines that the 3 Hour Rule is causing cancellations and not helping passengers. According to the most recent report, last year in June there were 268 tarmac delays of over 3 hours. This year in June there were 3. Additionally, the number of flights cancelled by airlines held steady. The rate was 1.5% this year in June and 1.5% last year in June. Airline officials had warned that they might cancel flights which were in danger of being delayed more than three hours to avoid hefty fines.

"Despite claims and threats by the airlines that the new rules, including the 3 Hour Rule, would spark mass cancellations and apocalyptic upheaval for passengers, just the opposite has taken place--tarmac strandings are way down and the number of cancellations has not changed," said Kate Hanni, Founder and Executive Director of FlyersRights.org, in a statement Monday. "We are very encouraged that these important protections are working as intended and that the airlines' claims to the contrary can be added to the long list of falsehoods they have tried to sell the public over the years."

"Though they are still engaged in a massive effort to subvert the rule and the facts of its implementation, the real data does not lie," Hanni continued. "Though many airlines have fought this rule tooth and nail and continue to do so, they are to be congratulated on improving conditions for passengers and following the law."

FMI: www.bts.gov/press_releases/2010/dot156_10/html/dot156_10.html