UNITED FINED FOR VIOLATING CONSUMER RULES

Posted on 01/11/2016

The US government is fining United Airlines US $2.7 million for violating rules aimed at protecting disabled passengers and preventing long tarmac delays. The Transportation Department says there was a significant increase in disability-related complaints regarding United in 2014. A DOT review of the complaints found that United had failed to give passengers with disabilities prompt service getting on and off planes, and in many instances damaged or delayed the return of wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

United is also being fined for five lengthy delays in which passengers were kept waiting in planes on the tarmac at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, and another delay at Hobby Airport in Houston. In a statement, United says it remains committed to meeting all Transportation Department rules, particularly during difficult operating conditions.