Being stuck on an aircraft that is not going anywhere is one of the worst parts of a delay. US rules put a limit on it: three hours on a domestic flight, four on an international one, with food, water and working toilets along the way.
Who the rules cover
The tarmac delay rules apply to US airlines, and to foreign airlines operating aircraft with 30 or more seats, at US airports. That includes delays before take-off, after landing, and at an airport the flight has diverted to.
The time limits
- Domestic flights: the airline must give you the chance to get off before the delay reaches three hours.
- International flights: before it reaches four hours.
For a departing flight, the clock starts when the doors close and you can no longer get off. For an arriving flight, it starts when the aircraft lands.
The exceptions
The airline does not have to let you off by the deadline if:
- the pilot decides there is a safety or security reason why the aircraft cannot return to the gate or let passengers off, or
- air traffic control advises that moving the aircraft to let passengers off would significantly disrupt airport operations.
What the airline must provide while you wait
- Food and water within two hours of the delay starting, unless the pilot decides it is unsafe.
- Working lavatories.
- Medical attention if anyone needs it.
- Updates at least every 30 minutes on the status of the delay and the reason for it.
- Where the aircraft is at a gate or somewhere passengers can get off, a notice that you are free to do so, repeated every 30 minutes.
If you choose to get off
If you leave the aircraft during a tarmac delay, the flight may go without you, and your checked bags may go with it. Ask the crew what happens to your bags and booking before you leave. If the delay has already reached three hours on a domestic flight, or six on an international one, and you decide not to travel at all, you are entitled to a refund. See the DOT refund rule.
What the rules do not give you
There is no automatic cash compensation for a tarmac delay. The airline's own commitments for meals or hotels may apply afterwards if the cause was within its control. See controllable vs. uncontrollable delays and meal and hotel vouchers.
Every airline publishes its plan
Each airline must publish a tarmac delay contingency plan explaining how it handles these situations. See how to check your airline's delay policy.
If the airline breaks the rules
Note the times: when the doors closed or you landed, when food and water came, and when you were offered the chance to get off. Then complain to the airline and the DOT. See how to file a complaint with the DOT.
This guide is general information for US travelers, not legal advice. Rules and airline commitments change; check with your airline or the US Department of Transportation for your specific situation.