United Hit with $1.1 Million Fine for Flight Delays

For leaving folks stuck on the tarmac

United Airlines has been fined $1.1 million by the Department of Transportation for more than a dozen lengthy flight delays on the same day at O'Hare International Airport last year.

It's the largest fine assessed by the government since a rule aiming to limit long delays went into effect in 2010. Still, it's far less than the maximum. Under the rule, airlines can be fined up to $27,500 per passenger if a flight is stuck for more than three hours.

The 13 affected United flights were all stuck on the tarmac on July 13, 2012, a day that severe thunderstorms and lightning hit the Chicago area. The storms caused massive traffic disruptions at the airport.