Originally Posted by
Roadrunner2
While we all probably won't agree on a time (2 hours MAX seems about right to me), I think that probably 95% of us would agree that 4 hours is too long! In addition, there is no mention of (1) explanations being given to the passengers on-board (2) catering (3) lavatories etc. I agree: this seems like a transparent attempt by AA to head off Congressional action on a Passengers' Bill of Rights.
The problem with returning to a gate after 2 hours is it automatically turns a 2 hour delay into 3+. As one who has sat through a bunch of 2-3 hour waits at DFW and ORD I know I can handle 3-4 hours, and I would hate to stretch that out by un-necessary returns to a gate. IMO if you get on a plane in DFW or ORD, or you're traveling to either, at certain times of the year you need to go mentally and physically prepared for a 3 hour wait because it's pretty common.