WASHINGTON — A former CEO of American Airlines is backing imposition of a three-hour time limit on how long airlines can strand passengers on airport tarmacs.
Robert Crandall parted company from his former industry colleagues and joined passengers rights advocates Tuesday as they took their case to Congress.
Crandall said he supports legislation pending in the Senate that would require that passengers be allowed to deplane after a three-hour wait. The bill makes an exception for instances when the pilot believes the plane will takeoff in the next half hour or it might be unsafe to leave the plane.
However, Crandall also warned of unintended consequences.
