Obama administration denies requests by 5 airlines for exemptions to new tarmac stranding rule

Airlines told tarmac stranding time limit applies

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is turning down requests from five airlines for temporary exemptions to a new rule limiting how long passengers can be kept waiting in planes on airport tarmacs.

The new rule limits time stranded on the tarmac to three hours.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday that passengers have a right to know they won’t be held on planes indefinitely.

The department has said airlines may be fined up to $27,500 per passenger for each violation of the new rule.