What Is a Tarmac Delay?

What is a tarmac delay?

A tarmac delay is a period when an aircraft is stuck on the ground with passengers on board, either before departure or after landing, without the opportunity to get off. It might happen because the plane has pushed back from the gate but cannot take off due to weather, congestion, or a ground stop, or because it has landed but has no open gate to pull into. During a tarmac delay you remain seated on the plane, often with limited information, which is what makes it so frustrating. Tarmac delays are different from ordinary gate delays, where you wait in the terminal. Because being trapped on a plane is a genuine hardship, the government sets firm limits on how long it can last.

What are the tarmac delay rules?

Federal rules set clear time limits. According to the DOT, airlines operating domestic flights must give passengers the chance to deplane before a tarmac delay reaches 3 hours, and for international flights the limit is 4 hours. In other words, the aircraft must return to a gate or another spot where you can get off before hitting those marks. There are narrow exceptions: the pilot can keep passengers on board past the limit if deplaning would create a safety or security risk, or if air traffic control advises that moving the plane would significantly disrupt airport operations. These rules apply to larger U.S. and foreign carriers at U.S. airports and were created specifically to end the marathon tarmac waits that once stranded travelers for many hours.

What are airlines required to do during a tarmac delay?

You are entitled to more than just the time limit. Under the DOT rules, the airline must provide food and drinking water no later than 2 hours into a tarmac delay, and it must keep the lavatories operable and make medical attention available if needed throughout the wait. The airline also has to notify passengers of the delay's status once it passes 30 minutes, and let you know each time there is an opportunity to deplane. These requirements mean that even when you are stuck, you should not be left without a working bathroom, water, or basic information. If you notice that two hours have passed without water or a snack, it is reasonable to remind the crew of the requirement.

What should you do during a tarmac delay?

Stay calm, informed, and aware of your rights. Listen for crew updates, which are required after 30 minutes, and note how long you have been sitting so you know when the 2-hour food-and-water and 3-hour deplaning marks approach. Keep yourself comfortable: stay hydrated, use the lavatory while you can, and stretch in your seat. If the delay is dragging on, you can politely ask the crew about the status and whether returning to the gate is possible. After the fact, if you believe the airline violated the tarmac delay rules, you can file a complaint with the DOT. Keeping a record of the timeline helps if you need to follow up on a compensation or complaint later.