Budget carrier Allegiant was slapped with a $225,000 fine by the U.S. Department of Transportation for allowing passengers to sizzle in hot temperatures during tarmac delays.
The DOT said that on 10 flights delayed on the tarmac in 2016 and 2017. Allegiant ‘failed to provide passengers a comfortable cabin temperature.’
These delays took place in Las Vegas on seven flights, and one each at Albuquerque; El Paso, and Dayton, Ohio.
Daytime temperatures in Vegas constantly hover around 100 degrees during summer months.
On one occasion Allegiant did not supply food and water to delayed passengers as required under tarmac delay rules.
The airline said ground temperatures were in excess of 110 degrees in some cases, making it ‘difficult at best’ to keep cabins cool during time spent on the tarmac.
It made the best of challenging conditions, due to ‘passengers’ consistent strong desire to get to their destination as quickly as possible.’
Allegiant said it is updating cabin crew training and procedures around cabin temperature during hot weather.
