As an airline passenger, it is important to know your rights during a tarmac delay. A tarmac delay occurs when an airplane on the ground is either awaiting takeoff or has just landed and passengers do not have the opportunity to get off the plane^. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has established rules to protect passengers during such delays.

Air travel has become an integral part of our modern lives, offering unparalleled speed and convenience. However, despite the advances in aviation, flight delays are an inevitable part of the journey. Among these delays, tarmac delays can be particularly frustrating and stressful for passengers. To safeguard passenger rights and ensure their well-being, various regulations and guidelines have been put in place by aviation authorities.

According to the DOT, airlines 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). During all tarmac delays carriers must ensure passengers are given the following, free of charge: 1 access to working washrooms; 2 proper ventilation and heating or cooling; 3 food and drink in reasonable quantities; and 4 ways to communicate with people outside the plane, where feasible.

A tarmac delay occurs when a plane is on the ground, either at the departure airport or a diverting airport, and is unable to take off for an extended period. These delays can arise due to various factors, including adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, or operational issues.

After a tarmac delay of two hours, passengers must be provided with food, water, operational lavatories, and medical care (if medical care is needed)^. After a tarmac delay of three hours in the U.S. or four hours outside of the U.S., passengers must be given the option to deplane. However, 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.

In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has established regulations, known as the “Tarmac Delay Rule,” to protect passengers during extended tarmac delays. These regulations apply to all domestic and international flights departing from or arriving at U.S. airports.

According to the DOT Tarmac Delay Rule:

1. Three-Hour Limit: Airlines are not allowed to keep passengers on the tarmac for more than three hours on domestic flights without deplaning them. For international flights, the limit is set at four hours.

2. Exceptions: The rule allows for exceptions in cases where the pilot believes there are safety or security concerns that prevent deplaning, or when air traffic control advises against it due to safety or security reasons.

Passenger Rights During a Tarmac Delay

1. Information and Updates: Passengers have the right to receive timely information and updates regarding the status of the flight, the cause of the delay, and the estimated duration.

2. Access to Facilities: Airlines must provide adequate access to essential services, such as water, food, restroom facilities, and medical assistance, during the tarmac delay.

3. Deplaning Option: If the tarmac delay extends beyond the stipulated time limit, airlines must provide passengers with the option to deplane safely.

4. Compensation: In cases where the airline fails to adhere to the tarmac delay regulations, passengers may be entitled to compensation as per the airline’s policy or in accordance with applicable laws.

5. Right to Complain: Passengers have the right to lodge complaints with the airline or the appropriate aviation authority if they feel their rights have been violated during a tarmac delay.

Tips for Passengers during Tarmac Delays

1. Stay Calm: It’s understandable that tarmac delays can be stressful, but try to remain calm and composed. Staying patient will help make the situation more bearable.

2. Communicate with Crew: If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to communicate with the flight attendants or the crew. They are there to assist you and keep you informed.

3. Stay Informed: Use your phone or other electronic devices to check for updates on the flight status or to stay connected with family and friends.

4. Follow Safety Protocols: During a tarmac delay, it’s essential to adhere to safety instructions provided by the crew.

In some instances where the tarmac delay exceeds the prescribed time limit, airlines may offer compensation to affected passengers. This compensation may vary depending on the airline’s policy and the duration of the delay. While some airlines may provide vouchers for meals or future flights, others may offer cash compensation.

In the United States, the DOT Tarmac Delay Rule does not specifically mandate compensation for tarmac delays. However, passengers should review the airline’s conditions of carriage and customer service policies to understand their entitlements.

Occasionally, flights may be diverted to alternative airports due to unforeseen circumstances, such as bad weather or mechanical issues. In such cases, passengers still retain certain rights:

– The airline must provide information and updates about the diversion, including the reason for the diversion and the estimated time for resuming the journey.

– Passengers should be allowed to deplane if the diversion lasts for an extended period, subject to safety and security considerations.

– Access to essential services such as food, water, and restroom facilities should be provided during the diversion.

For international flights departing from or arriving at U.S. airports, the DOT Tarmac Delay Rule applies and limits the tarmac delay to four hours. However, when flying on international routes outside of the U.S., the specific regulations may vary depending on the country’s aviation authority. Passengers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the applicable regulations for their particular journey.

While the three-hour (domestic) and four-hour (international) tarmac delay limits are generally enforced, there are situations where exemptions may apply. For instance, if the pilot or air traffic control deems it unsafe to deplane due to weather conditions, security concerns, or air traffic congestion, the tarmac delay may be extended. Airlines are expected to have contingency plans in place for such scenarios to ensure passengers’ well-being is prioritized.

If passengers feel that their rights have been violated during a tarmac delay, they have the right to lodge a complaint with the airline or the relevant aviation authority. Many airlines have customer service departments that handle such complaints. Additionally, passengers can reach out to national aviation regulatory bodies or consumer protection agencies for assistance and resolution.

While passengers have certain rights during tarmac delays, they also have some responsibilities to ensure the situation remains safe and manageable:

– Follow Crew Instructions: Passengers should always follow the instructions provided by the flight crew. These instructions are designed to prioritize safety and ensure a smooth operation during the delay.

– Stay Seated: To maintain safety and avoid unnecessary complications, passengers are generally required to remain seated while on the tarmac.

– Maintain Patience and Respect: Tarmac delays can be frustrating, but it’s essential for passengers to remain patient and treat airline staff and fellow travelers with respect and understanding.

– Manage Personal Needs: Passengers should plan ahead and ensure they have any essential medications, personal necessities, and entertainment (books, chargers, etc.) readily accessible during the delay.

Airlines are responsible for the well-being of their passengers, even during tarmac delays. Apart from adhering to the regulatory time limits, they have several obligations:

– Communication: Airlines must provide clear and regular updates to passengers regarding the status of the delay, the reasons for it, and any potential solutions or time frames.

– Essential Services: Access to basic necessities such as water, snacks, and restroom facilities should be provided to passengers during the delay.

– Safety Measures: Airlines are responsible for maintaining safety and security throughout the tarmac delay, ensuring the comfort and well-being of their passengers.

– Contingency Planning: Airlines should have contingency plans in place to handle tarmac delays effectively, which may include procedures for deplaning when necessary or coordinating with ground services.

Weather is one of the most common reasons for tarmac delays. Inclement weather, such as thunderstorms, heavy snow, or dense fog, can impact airport operations and cause flights to be grounded on the tarmac. While weather-related delays are beyond the airline’s control, they should still provide updates and essential services to passengers as per the regulations.

Passenger rights during tarmac delays can vary significantly between countries and regions. Each country’s aviation regulatory authority may have its own rules and regulations, and international flights may be subject to the laws of the country in which the airline is registered. Therefore, it’s essential for passengers to be aware of the specific regulations that apply to their flight, especially when traveling internationally.

In the event of a prolonged tarmac delay, airlines are expected to take additional measures to ensure passenger comfort and well-being. These may include:

– Providing regular updates on the status of the delay and any developments.

– Offering passengers the option to deplane safely, subject to safety and security considerations.

– Ensuring adequate access to food, water, and restroom facilities for passengers on the aircraft.

Tarmac delays can be challenging for passengers, but it’s crucial to be aware of your rights and the measures in place to protect you during such situations. The DOT Tarmac Delay Rule in the United States sets a standard for limiting tarmac delays, providing access to essential services, and offering the option to deplane when necessary. While compensation for tarmac delays may not be explicitly mandated by the rule, airlines may offer compensation as part of their customer service policies.

Passengers are encouraged to stay informed, stay calm, and communicate with the airline’s staff during tarmac delays or diversions. By working together and adhering to established guidelines, both passengers and airlines can navigate these challenges while ensuring passenger comfort, safety, and satisfaction.

Photo by Kevin Bosc