United Airlines Fined for Violating Airline Disability and Tarmac Delay Rules
United Airlines was fined $2.75 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has fined United Airlines $2.75 million for violating rules protecting air travelers with disabilities and for violating DOT's rule prohibiting long tarmac delays. "It is our duty to ensure that travelers with disabilities have access to the services they need and that when significant tarmac delays happen, travelers are not left on the plane," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "We will make sure that airlines comply with our rules and treat their passengers fairly."
DOT reported it saw a significant increase in the number of disability-related complaints in 2014, which prompted an investigation. The investigation revealed that United failed to provide passengers with disabilities prompt and adequate assistance with enplaning and deplaning. The investigation also revealed that United failed to return wheelchairs and other mobility aids in the condition with which they received them, according to the agency.
United was also fined $750,000 for five lengthy tarmac delays.