… when it comes to the idea of mandating how long passengers can be made to suffer through ground delays at airports. The unintended consequence of them continually turning a deaf ear to the issue is likely to be a new DOT reg or federal legislation telling them: Here it is; deal with it.
Late Friday night, Continental Express Flight 2816 from Houston to Minneapolis-St. Paul was diverted due to weather to Rochester International Airport south of the Twin Cities. It then sat there for nearly six hours, holding 49 passengers (and two babies) hostage, according to reports. The ensuing debacle that occurred raises questions about the chain of command at two airlines – it was a Continental Express flight operated by Express Jet – and the lack of communication with those willing to help at Rochester.
A phone interview with Rochester International Airport director Stephen Leqve (pronounced lek-vee) reveals that the airport was more than able to assist the passengers, provide vending and restrooms, and put them in a sterile hold area that can accommodate 500. Says Leqve, “These things are not unusual. We’ve had numerous diversions over the years due to weather. We staff the airport 24/7. We work very closely with the air carriers. We had a staff person here that night; the Delta people were here, including the general manager for Delta because Northwest also had a flight diverted.†He relates that Delta’s offer to help offload the passengers went unheeded.
Leqve adds, “This is the first time this has happened since I’ve been here, and I’ve been here 31 years. It’s inexcusable.â€
The FAA reauthorization bill being considered in the U.S. Senate includes a provision to require airlines to let passengers deplane after a three-hour ground hold, with a few caveats. DOT Secretary Ray Lahood has asked Continental and Express Jet to provide answers to his office on what occurred and the related decisionmaking. One possibility is a DOT regulation to address the issue. Comments Lahood in his blog on the DOT website, “Whatever shape any rule might take, I want readers to know that DOT is trying to help reduce the discomfort -- and the resentment -- that can turn a lengthy delay into a nightmare.â€
This isn’t about beating up a particular airline. It’s about beating up an old concept. Change is almost certainly coming on this issue; it’s now a matter of which part of the federal government directs the solution. Consider it this way – what member of Congress is going to vote against a bill which virtually every person in his/her constituency wholeheartedly supports?
The air carriers and the Air Transport Association need to lead on this issue, but they continue to choose denial. If they want to minimize the unintended consequences, they ought to get in the discussion.
Thanks for reading. jfi