United Airlines - Consent Order 2021-9-21

About this Order

This consent order concerns violations by United Airlines, Inc. (United) of 14 CFR Part 259 and 49 U.S.C. §§ 41712 and 42301. United failed to adhere to the assurances in its contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays for 20 domestic flights and 5 international flights at various airports throughout the United States. Specifically, the carrier permitted flights to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours for the domestic flights and more than four hours for the international flights without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane. The carrier also failed to have sufficient resources to implement its contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays. This order directs United to cease and desist from future similar violations of Part 259 and sections 41712 and 42301 and assesses United $1.9 million in civil penalties.