The department cited United operations at Houston International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, Newark International Airport and Washington’s Dulles International Airport.
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According to the federal agency, the investigation into the issue of how United Airlines’ treated its disabled passengers started due to “a significant increase in the number of disability-related complaints”. The airline acknowledged the fine and vowed to create better infrastructure for disabled passengers.
“We’ve heard from many of you that you expect more from us when serving customers with disabilities”, the company said. “This technology will also immediately advise customers of the status of that request”. Please see our terms of service for more information. The airline will spend $150,000 to enhance quality-assurance and tracking of vendors who provide wheelchair assistance at airports. “The group of experts living with disabilities meet regularly to review our policies and procedures for passengers with disabilities”, the company said.
The five O’Hare flights exceeded the three-hour threshold by 16 to 64 minutes, documents show.
United Airlines joins Delta Air Lines in the shortlist of recipients of the largest penalty the U.S. Department of Transportation ever assessed against an airline.
In a statement to Travel Weekly, United said it is continuing to invest in cutting-edge technologies to improve its ramp processes.
The rules also require airlines to provide adequate food and water, ensure that lavatories are working, and, if necessary, provide medical attention to passengers during long tarmac delays.
United must pay $375,000 of the delay fine within 30 days. It also fined American Eagle $200,000 for lengthy tarmac delays. Unfortunately, it seems like often it takes steep fines in order to get them to act.
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In 2011, DOT fined United $20,000 for providing inaccurate information to passengers about how much compensation they could potentially receive for lost, damaged or delayed baggage on worldwide flights. The rule stipulates that commercial aircraft lift off or allow passengers to deplane no later than three hours after the cabin door closes at the departure airport, and that passengers be allowed to deplane no later than three hours after touchdown at the arrival airport. “We will make sure that airlines comply with our rules and treat their passengers fairly”.
