Delays are the bane of every holiday-goer's travels, so just imagine all that rushing to the airport and trying to make sure you’ve remembered your passports, only to sit on the runway for hours.
Despite sticking to the strict baggage requirements, getting through security, and making your flight on time, you might still end up stuck on the runway. If you've ever found yourself buckled in and not moving for what feels like forever, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there’s a rule most airlines don't want you to know about - but it’s built to protect you.
In the US, a federal tarmac delay rule kicks in at the three-hour mark for domestic flights. A long tarmac delay is defined as more than three hours on a domestic flight or more than four hours on an international one. Legally, the airline must let you off the plane unless there’s a legitimate security or safety reason. International flights usually have a slightly longer time limit, but most still have to follow a similar rule.
"DOT rules prohibit most U.S. airlines from allowing a domestic flight to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours unless the pilot determines that there is a safety or security reason," states the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Not only that, US airlines “must provide passengers with food and water no later than two hours after the tarmac delay begins.” Toilets have to stay functional, and if someone needs medical help, that needs to be available, too.
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One United Airlines pilot, Brian Rourke, puts it plainly: "Nobody wants to sit on the tarmac for an extended period of time." But if no one speaks up, these delays can drag on longer than they should. Unfortunately, long tarmac delays are happening more often. In 2024 alone, there were over 430 long delays on US domestic flights, up from 289 the year before. But, Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, says tarmac delays happen less often in Europe due to stricter regulations.
Much of this comes down to airlines trying to run their schedules too tightly. One weather issue, like a thunderstorm or a short-staffed control tower, can cause a domino effect on grounded planes.
The important thing to remember is that things like ventilation, communication, and compensation can vary depending on the airline. For example, Delta Air Lines states on its website that in the case of a lengthy tarmac delay, it will: “Identify the reason for the delay and tentative departure time. Explain the possible effect of the DOT's tarmac delay rule.”
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Canada requires airlines to maintain 'operable lavatories, proper ventilation, food and drink, and communication.' In Europe, airlines are required to give passengers free Wi-Fi, and they may be entitled to compensation after three hours.
All in all, it pays to know your rights as a passenger.