What does the Enhanced Protection for Airline Passengers Rule prohibit airlines from doing?

The Enhanced Protection for Airline Passengers Rule was established to improve passenger rights and enhance safety during air travel. One of the critical provisions of this rule is the limitation on how long an aircraft can remain on the tarmac without taking off or allowing passengers to disembark. Specifically, the regulation prohibits airlines from permitting an aircraft to sit on the tarmac for more than three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights, with specific exceptions for safety or air traffic control-related reasons.

This measure aims to protect passengers from lengthy delays, ensuring they are not left in uncomfortable or unsafe situations on an aircraft for extended periods. By implementing this limitation, the rule addresses concerns about passenger well-being and airline accountability during delays, emphasizing the importance of timely communication and resolution of any issues the flight may face.

The other options present different scenarios that, while important in the context of airline operations, do not fall under the specific prohibitions set forth in the Enhanced Protection for Airline Passengers Rule.