How long can they keep me on a plane?

Passengers’ Rights on Tarmac Delays: Understanding Time Limits and Legal Options

Air travel can be a stressful experience, and prolonged delays on the tarmac can make it even more uncomfortable. Passengers have rights regarding the duration they can be kept on a plane, and airlines are legally obligated to disembark passengers within a reasonable timeframe.

Legal Limitations on Tarmac Delays

Airlines face strict regulations regarding how long they can keep passengers on a plane before they must allow them to disembark. These regulations vary by jurisdiction and circumstances, but generally, passengers should not be held on a plane for an extended period without a valid reason.

In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has established specific limits on tarmac delays:

• Domestic flights: 3 hours
• International flights: 4 hours

After these time limits are exceeded, airlines are required to deplane passengers unless there is an “extraordinary circumstance” that prevents them from doing so. Examples of extraordinary circumstances include severe weather, security concerns, or mechanical issues.

Passengers’ Rights in Case of Delays

Passengers have the legal right to disembark a plane within a reasonable timeframe, even if the tarmac delay has not yet exceeded the legal limit. Airlines are responsible for providing passengers with adequate food, water, and restroom facilities during the delay.

If an airline fails to disembark passengers within a reasonable time, passengers may be entitled to compensation, including reimbursement for expenses incurred during the delay and compensation for emotional distress.

How to Enforce Your Rights

If you are kept on a plane for an extended period, you should first contact the airline staff and request to be deplaned. If they refuse, you should document the delay and any inconvenience you experience.

You can file a complaint with the DOT or your local aviation authority. The DOT has a consumer protection division that investigates tarmac delay complaints and can take enforcement action against airlines that violate regulations.

Preventive Measures

To avoid prolonged tarmac delays, passengers can take the following steps:

• Check the airline’s website and social media channels for any known delays before your flight.
• Arrive at the airport early and check in as soon as possible.
• If your flight is delayed, ask the airline staff for updates and make sure they are aware you are on board.
• Bring snacks, water, and entertainment to keep yourself occupied during the delay.

Remember, you have the right to a comfortable and timely travel experience. If your flight is delayed on the tarmac for an extended period, do not hesitate to assert your rights and seek compensation for any inconvenience you experience.