Advocates call new rule on tarmac delays a ` ` Christmas miracle '' for passengers . After Monday 's announcement , James May , president and CEO of the Air Transport Association , issued a statement : `` We will comply with the new rule even though we believe it will lead to unintended consequences -- more canceled flights and greater passenger inconvenience . '' Rule limits tarmac delays for aircraft with passengers aboard to three hours . Department of Transportation : Rule requires airlines to live up to duty to treat customers fairly . Exceptions include weather , security reasons or disruption to airport operations .
Advocates call new rule on tarmac delays a ` ` Christmas miracle '' for passengers . Rule limits tarmac delays for aircraft with passengers aboard to three hours . Department of Transportation : Rule requires airlines to live up to duty to treat customers fairly . Exceptions include weather , security reasons or disruption to airport operations .