Congress heard a litany of horror stories last week from passengers' rights groups, who were in Washington to push for new requirements for airlines. California Senator Barbara Boxer said that there is support among lawmakers for legislation that would require airlines to allow passengers to disembark after three hours on the tarmac. The proposed measure would also oblige airlines to keep food and water on hand for excessively long delays.
Some airline executives warned that the three-hour limit could result in a barrage of canceled flights, but the consumer protections appear likely to become law. "We're on the 1-yard line today," Senator Boxer said. "The leadership knows it is popular so they want to keep it in."
Reflecting on this debate, we've collected five of the most nightmarish examples of tarmac delays to date. Check out our photos below for tales of hours spent cramped in airplane seats, in some cases without food or water or, for the least fortunate, a properly functioning toilet.
If you've been unlucky enough to experience such a delay yourself, send us your story. Click "Participate" below, tell us your worst, most-agonizing airline delay story in under 200 words, upload a picture of the offending airline and we'll add your contribution to the list. Don't spare any details!