DOT's tarmac delay rule takes effect today

US Dept. of Transportation's new airline consumer protection rules take effect today, the most prominent being the tarmac delay rule that prevents US airlines' domestic flights from remaining on tarmacs for more than 3 hr. without deplaning passengers. For delays of at least 2 hr., carriers must provide food and drinking water as well as maintain "operable" lavatories and "if necessary" provide medical attention. Adopted in response to a series of lengthy delays ...