The longest runway at JFK Airport is officially closed for four months, and airlines are rallying against the new rule banning 3+ hour tarmac delays during the runway's rehab. JetBlue, Delta and American Airlines are asking that the rule, part of a new airline passengers' bill of rights, be lifted until construction is complete; as of April 29th they could face fines up to $27,500 per passenger if they keep the plane on the tarmac for too long.
Kate Hanni of Flyersrights.org told the Post, "They [airlines] are going to try to do anything to ensure this rule actually never goes into effect." She has filed papers opposing their requests.
If the rule were currently in effect, Virgin America would be facing up to $3.5 million in fines after one of their flights was grounded on the tarmac for nearly 7 hours this weekend (due to high winds). Passengers say the airline never announced a portable staircase that would have allowed them to exit the plane and enter the terminal during the wait, which would have been one way to avoid a fine.
