The US Department of Transportation has imposed a fine of $80,000 (42,85,598.81 INR) on national carrier Air India for failing to post customer service and tarmac delay contingency plans on its website as well as not adequately informing passengers about its optional fees.
This was the first penalty assessed for a violation of the department's new airline consumer rules that came into effect on 23 Aug, 2011, the US Department of Transportation said in a statement.
"Our new airline consumer rules help ensure that passengers are fully informed about airline services and fees and what to expect if their flight is delayed on the tarmac," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We will continue to monitor carriers to make sure they comply with our rules and take enforcement action when they do not," he said.
Beginning from 23 Aug, 2011, foreign carriers operating to the United States with at least one aircraft of 30 or more seats are required to adopt contingency plans for lengthy tarmac delays as well as customer service plans, and to post these plans on their websites, read the statement.
U.S. carriers have been covered under this requirement since 29 April, 2010.
In addition, both U.S. carriers and foreign carriers with a website that sells tickets to U.S. consumers are required to include on their homepages a prominent hyperlink that takes viewers directly to a page that shows all fees for optional services the carrier charges, including baggage fees.
Air India failed to post its customer service and tarmac delay contingency plans and to provide a link to its optional fees by the required date.
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