"Last December I created a task force to develop a model contingency plan that would address the needs of passengers who are subject to lengthy ground delays aboard aircraft. Today, the task force voted 34-1 in favor of a model contingency planning document that can be used by airlines and airports to develop their own individualized plans to deal with lengthy tarmac delays. I deeply appreciate the time, efforts and thoughts of all the representatives of airlines, airports, consumer groups and the Department who served on this task force. As we continue our efforts to improve protections for airline passengers, this document and the viewpoints of all the task force members should provide a valuable resource to minimize the hardships to passengers resulting from lengthy airline ground delays. I look forward to reviewing the document in the coming days."

To view the task force recommendations, click here.