US storms no worse than previously, tarmac rule blamed for disruptions

US carriers reportedly announced although winter storms were no more severe in 2011 than any other year, they experienced more cancellations, higher loss of revenue and more delayed customers due to the Department of Transportation's rule that fines carriers that are on the tarmac for more than three hours (The Arizona Republic, 06-Mar-2011). DOT announced that 34% more services were cancelled in Dec-2010 than in Dec-2009. The rule took effect in Apr-2010.