If an airplane is stuck on the runway: why it happens, how long passengers can be detained on an airplane, and when you can get off the plane

If you have been in an airplane on the runway for a long time, you logically have questions about what is going on. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about a situation like tarmac delay.

What is tarmac delay?

So, you are in the cabin of an airplane on the runway and waiting for it to take to the sky. Or you've conversely arrived at the airport, but here's the catch – passengers are not allowed to leave the plane. These situations are called tarmac delays.

There is a limit that distinguishes between normal situations during takeoff or landing with the accompanying presence on the runway and what is called a true tarmac delay. Since some waiting at the beginning and end of a flight is commonplace, passengers initially wait quietly for the situation to develop until they begin to wonder if this plane is even going to take off. Or will they have to disembark back from it?

At times like this, it's important to pay attention to when the doors on the airplane were closed. Afterward, if the takeoff is delayed, you will be able to check how long you are waiting on the runway. If the flight is severely delayed or canceled, the passenger can claim compensation. But with tarmac delays, the rules are different. Therefore, it is advisable for passengers to know their rights in relation to tarmac delay as sometimes tricky situations arise.

Tarmac delay and legislation

The U.S. Department of Transportation determines that the rules regarding aircraft delay on the runway may only apply to events that occur at U.S. airports. They also apply exclusively to "closed carriers," which are airlines that have at least one airplane of up to 30 seats or more in operation in the United States (outbound or inbound).

This means that passengers who have experienced a lengthy runway delay at a foreign airport can take advantage of long-delay protections under the laws of the country in which they are located. Even if they were to fly to the U.S., U.S. laws cannot be used to protect them at a foreign airport.

How long can an airline keep passengers on an airplane?

The well-known legal website Nolo once described an egregious case that occurred in 2009. At that time, 47 passengers spent nearly six hours aboard a plane parked on the runway at Rochester International Airport. It would have taken less time to fly across the entire continental United States!

Obviously, there was a problem with runway delays, so a law was needed to address such incidents that violate airline passengers' rights. As a result, in April 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation implemented a set of rules about runway delays. They established a clear timeframe within which an airline could delay passengers on board.

U.S. Tarmac Delay Law

According to the tarmac delay rules set out in US law, any delay of two hours or more requires close attention: passengers must be provided with water, food, working sanitary facilities, and, if necessary, medical attention. If the delay on a U.S. runway lasts three hours, the passenger must be given the opportunity to leave the plane. If the flight is outside the U.S. and is stuck on the runway, the passenger has the right to get off the plane after four hours of delay.

There are exceptions to these rules when the above rules do not apply:

• If the pilot of the airplane needs to leave passengers on board due to safety and security concerns;
• if air traffic control determines that taxiing to a possible passenger drop-off point would significantly disrupt airport operations.

Tarmac delay laws in Europe

European law regarding this issue is different from American law: there are both pros and cons.

Passengers can claim compensation, which is similar to the right to compensation due to flight delay. But there is no fixed right for passengers to get off the plane until the plane's delay on the runway reaches 5 hours. But some conditions must be provided after one hour: working toilets, air conditioning, and water.

What should you do if you are stuck on the tarmac or have to disembark?

So, when your airplane is delayed on the runway, the first thing to keep an eye on is the time. When the delay exceeds one or two hours (depending on whether you're on a flight from Europe or the US), you can demand certain services. If the flight attendants haven't started offering water and won't explain the situation, you can talk to them and politely remind them of your passenger rights concerning the tarmac delay.

If the delay of your plane on the runway has already exceeded several hours and you are not given the opportunity to leave the plane (provided that the amount of time stipulated in the rules has already passed), you should realize that the airline is violating the law in this way. If the time limit has indeed been exceeded, you may be detained on the airplane only for security reasons and to avoid disruption of airport operations.

If you are convinced that the airline is breaking the law, file a complaint and register your appeal by contacting the carrier by mail or email. The airline has 60 days to send you a response. If you are not satisfied or the airline has not responded at all, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Transportation.

By the way, it is important to note that if you disembarked from the plane after a delay on the runway, the airline is not obliged to let you back on board.

Disembarking due to a tarmac delay: highlights from US regulations

What should you do if the airplane is delayed on the runway and you can't wait any longer? The passenger can leave it after a certain amount of time. Remember that he must first wait for authorization to disembark safely.

How long can an airline keep a passenger of a departing flight on the runway before ensuring disembarkation?

For domestic flights that depart from U.S. airports, the airline must move the board to a safe place for disembarkation no later than three hours. When it comes to international flights, the deadline expires after four hours.

How long can an airline keep a passenger on the tarmac on an arriving flight?

No later than three hours later, the airline must allow passengers to leave the airplane for domestic flights that land at airports in the United States. For international flights, this time limit is four hours.

Does the airline have to warn the disembarked passenger that the plane will be taking off so they can board back?

If the plane is stuck on the runway and the passenger decides to disembark, the airline is not responsible for having to board him back. Whether or not to let him on the flight is the airline's right, not its responsibility. Therefore, if you get off the plane, you should look for another flight.

If an airplane delay on the runway causes a passenger to disembark, does the airline have to unload his checked baggage before the plane takes off?

No. If the tarmac delay caused the passenger to decide not to continue the flight, the carrier is not required to remove his or her luggage from the airplane. In such a case, the passenger must contact the airline operator himself to arrange for the return of his luggage at a later date.

If the airplane is stuck on the runway, how will the passenger find out about the possibility of getting off the airplane?

In such a situation, the airline should set up informing the passengers of the airplane at 30-minute intervals, notifying them when they can disembark. The flight attendant or pilot makes the announcement using the airplane's speaker system, or flight attendants inform passengers individually. The airline is also required to explain to its passengers why the airplane is delayed on the runway.