printObama the idiot truly believes that nothing can work without his supervision. He had his stooge order the airlines “to let passengers stuck in stranded airplanes get off the plane after three hours.” How nice.
The AP: “Under the new regulations, airlines operating domestic flights will be able only to keep passengers on board for three hours before they must be allowed to disembark a delayed flight. The regulation provides exceptions only for safety or security or if air traffic control advises the pilot in command that returning to the terminal would disrupt airport operations.”
[SNIP]
What do you imagine will be the unintended consequences of this little exercise? Since Obama’s handmaiden, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, has authorized the act of keeping people on the tarmac for three hours, such delays will become standard.
At least up until now, this conduct resulted in unflattering publicity and law suits.
Look, the way the already heavily-regulated airlines treat customers (and vice versa) is appalling. But the solution is not to be found in Obama’s bag of tricks.
Rather, “Only when an airline can undertake ‘curb-to-curb’ handling of its passengers will it stand both to reap the benefits that arise from providing superior service, as well as incur full liability for forsaking passenger safety. This is possible only in a privatized airport, where freedom of association and freedom of contract aren’t overridden or blurred by government, and where responsibility isn’t collectivized.” [“WHOSE PROPERTY IS IT ANYWAY?”]
Pilot to Ground: “Ground, Northwest 1204 at Charlie, request taxi to gate, we’re almost at three hours here.”
Ground: “1204 negative, Clearance Delivery says airport operations would be disrupted, standby this frequency.”
That’s my prediction.
And you’re right, Ilana. Whenever government dictates a minimum, it quickly becomes the maximum. As it will with health insurance.
I only fly when the taxpayers pick up the tab! And after strenuous objections!
In fact, I cannot fathom any remote desire to every fly on my own. It is an act of sadomasochism these days.
Meanwhile – for all you Republicans out there – LaHood is Obama’s token Republican. And Mineta was Bush’s token Democrat! Idiocy is bipartisan.