From the Secretary of Transportation’s blog — August 11, 2009
What does it mean that an article from over the weekend on a nightmare flight delay is yesterday’s “Most Viewed” news item in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune? I think it means that reasonable people are outraged at the idea of being stuck on a small plane for seven hours. I think it means that flyers and those who are considering flying want to know that should a delay occur, they will be treated respectfully.
That is why we have sent a letter to Continental Airlines inquiring into the circumstances of its recent Continental/Express Jet flight 2816 extended delay.
When I was in Congress, I did a lot of traveling to and from my district in Illinois, so I’m not unfamiliar with the experience of sitting on the tarmac, waiting–whether for clearance from the tower, further instructions from the airline, or simply some information from the crew. I know being stuck on a plane is no fun.
But I also know that delays happen for many reasons, most of which are beyond the airline’s control.
That’s why the letter to Continental simply seeks answers to a few questions. Basically, we want to know what I think all of us want to know.
