TARMAC DELAYS.

SEC. 2308. TARMAC DELAYS. (a) Deplaning Following Excessive Tarmac Delay.—Section 42301(b)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); (2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: “(C) In providing the option described in subparagraph (A), the air carrier shall begin to return the aircraft to a suitable disembarkation point— “(i) in the case of a flight in interstate air transportation, not later than 3 hours after the main aircraft door is closed in preparation for departure; and “(ii) in the case of a flight in foreign air transportation, not later than 4 hours after the main aircraft door is closed in preparation for departure.” ; and (3) in subparagraph (D) (as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this subsection) by striking “subparagraphs (A) and (B)” and inserting “subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C)”. (b) Excessive Tarmac Delay Defined.—Section 42301(i)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: “(4) Excessive tarmac delay.—The term ‘excessive tarmac delay’ means a tarmac delay of more than— “(A) 3 hours for a flight in interstate air transportation; or “(B) 4 hours for a flight in foreign air transportation.” . (c) [49 U.S.C. 42301 note] Regulations.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations and take other actions necessary to carry out the amendments made by this section.