Strange indeed, was there no announcement made about the slow flight? Did you ask a FA?
Originally Posted by
turkeyRIOO
Any reason to not just get a new aircraft in ATL? Maybe pilot did not want further ground delay approaching 3 he limit?
Appears the flight took about 1 hour longer than normal. Unloading everyone, bringing in a new plane, then re-loading everyone + bags + catering, would have taken an hour anyway so no advantage either way.
Tarmac delay rules don't apply if the passengers are unloaded, so that's not a factor.