DOT threats lead to elimination of “chronically delayed” flights

The Transportation Department said last week that out of 183 scheduled airline flights it had identified last spring as “chronically delayed,” none were in that category by the end of September. What happened? The agency warned airlines operating those flights that they faced possible penalties for unrealistic advertising practices “by publishing schedules for flights that almost never operate on time” – penalties that could include fines of up to $25,000 per violation. DOT said it focused on those 183 flights that arrived more than 15 minutes late at least 70 percent of the time in the first quarter of 2007. “Tough scrutiny and a willingness to impose serious penalties have caused the airlines to correct these chronically delayed flights,” said DOT Secretary Mary Peters. The airlines involved used various tactics to resolve the problems, DOT said, including changing routes, adding flight crews and making extra aircraft available.