Originally Posted by
entropy
CO (and the other airlines) want maximal operational flexibility. What I can't figure out is, you have a situation where you know what planes are going where, and how long it will take them to prepare to go. 3 hour + tarmac delays don't just "happen". At the most you need 10 minutes worth of departures ready to go, 20 minutes worth ready to close, and the rest can relax until ATC gives the go.
Weather "happens". I've seen many threads where one circumstance after another ultimately led to a plane being on the tarmac for hours, even having to be refueled, or ultimately cancelled.
I especially like this part of the news story on msnbc.com: "Announced by the Department of Transportation (DOT) last December, the new rule runs
81 pages (emphasis mine) and seeks to enhance airline passenger protections on several fronts. It takes effect April 29."