Are lengthy tarmac delays happening more often? It certainly feels that way, with several frustrating incidents having gone viral in recent times in which passengers were stuck on planes for hours before their flights were eventually canceled.
The latest incident to come to light was aboard a United Airlines flight that was scheduled to depart Newark airport for Rome in early July. According to local news reports, passengers say they were held on the tarmac for seven hours without food, water, or air conditioning.
A similar incident occurred in July on a Delta flight that was held on the tarmac at the Las Vegas airport for three to four hours, on a day when peak temperatures reached 111 degrees, reportedly with no air conditioning. Multiple passengers were treated by first responders and two people went to hospital, according to Reuters.
Overall, it’s clear that flights have experienced a significant uptick in delays and cancellations in recent years. And just like flight delays that occur before a passenger boards, tarmac delays can happen due to certain weather conditions, mechanical problems with the aircraft, or issues with air traffic control.
While federal tarmac delay rules exist to prevent airlines from holding passengers on grounded planes for an extended time, the reality is that it still happens. So do passengers have any recourse? Here's what you need to know if you find yourself stuck on the tarmac for hours.
How long can my flight be held on the tarmac?
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), there are tarmac delay rules that US airlines must follow: Carriers are not allowed to hold a domestic flight on the tarmac for more than three hours and an international flight for more than four hours, barring a couple of exceptions (like if the pilot deems it's for a safety reason). When the delay stretches to the two-hour point, the airline must provide passengers with water and a snack, such as a granola bar. Airlines must also ensure passengers have access to working toilets, any necessary medical care, and that the cabin temperature is comfortable.
Can I get off the plane during a tarmac delay?
If the airline determines it’s safe for passengers to leave the aircraft, they must notify fliers that they can deplane. Offering to bus passengers back to the terminal after three hours is likely enough to meet air regulators’ requirements, but it is not always the best option for travelers. If a passenger does choose to leave the plane, the airline is not obligated to let the passenger back on board. This means a passenger who chooses to deplane can miss their flight and be separated from any checked luggage. If the plane leaves without you, you’d be responsible for booking a new flight, according to the DOT’s regulations. You would also be responsible for contacting the airline and arranging the return of any luggage that departed, too. So, getting off the plane is not always the best option.
My plane was held longer than three hours. What can I do?
Passengers always have the option to file a complaint against an airline if they feel they've been mistreated—and may be compensated if the airline agrees. If you message or call your airline’s customer service department, they may offer frequent flier miles, travel vouchers, or other acts of contrition to smooth things over. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s worth trying.
