Originally Posted by
highflyer40
Just think back to the days when passengers in the US were kept onboard for 5/6 hours waiting.. Didn't congress make regulations to end that practise?
After 1-2 hours there can be no “valid” reason!
Yes, Congress did. Its called the
DOT 3 Hour rule
We receive automated ACARS messages if not airborne within 30 minutes of Out Time, and they require a specific scripted Pax PA and confirmation back to the Company; with increasing levels of visibility in the OCC as time progresses. We can even make a specific request to Ground to expedite gate return based on the DOT3. Penalties, as explained to me; run into the tens of thousands of dollars per Pax.
It's taken very seriously in the US.