United Airlines fined $130,000 for travel delays

Chicago- and Houston-based airline United Airlines has been slapped with a heavy fine for a delayed flight.

Travel Insurance News - 21/02/2013

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Chicago- and Houston-based airline United Airlines has been slapped with a heavy fine for a delayed flight.

According to a Los Angeles Times report published last week, the carrier was charged $130,000 (£85,000) for not telling stranded passengers that they were allowed to leave the aircraft during prolonged delay.

The incident took place at the carrier's base at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in May, when a Tokyo-bound flight carrying more than 350 passengers remained grounded for nearly five hours after its scheduled departure time. The flight had originally departed from the gate but was forced to turn back due to mechanical issues.

Under US federal law, airlines must give passengers the opportunity to exit a delayed aircraft every 30 minutes it is delayed if it is still parked at the gate. If it has left the gate, they must be given the chance to leave the plane after four hours on international flights and every three hours on domestic flights.

Officials from the airline said in a statement that United is committed to operating in compliance with delay regulations and that the firm would continue to improve its services.

<< Iberia cancels 1,200 flights amid strike action | Travel News | United delays launch of Tokyo-Denver route >>