The quick background is that United reported four flights as having been on the tarmac away from the gate for more than the new three-hour limit. So the DOT investigated and found out that, on all four flights, United offered passengers food, beverages, working lavatories and an opportunity to get off the planes.
This means that the airline did not, in fact, violate the new rule.
"United's misreporting of this data wasted valuable Department resources, since only after the Enforcement Office initiated its investigation did it learn that United improperly filed the data," the DOT said.
United and the DOT agreed to settle the issue with a $12,000 fine, half of which would only be payable if the airline messes up again within the next year.
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Thanks Seattle PI I wished you were still in print all of your reporters did a great job of digging at the Truth..
Jock
