DOT Might Fine Carriers

The Transportation Department has launched an investigation of airline scheduling practices that may lead it to issue fines against as many as eight carriers.

"We have regulations that prohibit unrealistic scheduling as a deceptive practice," Andrew Steinberg, assistant secretary for aviation and internal affairs said last week at a House Aviation Committee hearing on consumer issues.

"We want to understand how it is possible that a flight could be late 70% or 80% of the time, and that information not disclosed," Steinberg said. ...