Fines for united airlines

[Bill Greenwood]

Dot, the Department of Transportation, has fined United $1.1 million for violations of the rules on passenger treatment on airlines. In July, United left hundreds of passengers stranded for more than 3 hours on 13 planes, some without adequate water or facilities. This has happened before, of course, and has been illegal for 3 years, but was the first time an airline was given a significant fine.
It's not quite what it seems, UAL only has to pay less than half the fine, they are given a credit for payments to passengers which amounts to very little, only $185k and money spent to improve airline facilities. Still, it is a step in the right direction, even if a small one. Too bad that a vital industry which serves the public, has to have federal fines before they will treat people with the common courtesy they should have in the first place.
Dot said United had contingency plans for events like this rainy weather, but didn't use them. This had nothing to do with snow blocking any return to the gate, just weather too bad to takeoff.
Let's give major U S airlines their credit where due, they are safe, which is the most important thing, even over customer service, which has declined over the years.

[Greg Bockelman]

I don't know the specific details, but there is always more to the story than is first reported.