CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some vacationers hoping to get to Jamaica claimed they had to wait for four hours on the tarmac at Charlotte Douglas before taking off. They say they barely got any food or water while waiting. So we wanted to see what rights you have if this happens to you.
OUR SOURCES
- Katy Nastro, a travel expert with Going.com
- The U.S. Department of Transportation
First off, what defines a tarmac delay?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 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’s tarmac delay rule applies only to tarmac delays that occur at U.S. airports.
Does an airline have to let passengers off a plane during a tarmac delay?
According to the US DOT and Nastro, if it’s a domestic flight, they have to after three hours. For an international flight, it’s after four hours.
If an airline lets you get off the airplane during a tarmac delay, are they required to let you back on the plane?
“If you do exit the plane during a tarmac delay, the airline can let you know once it gets going -- it can actually leave without you," said Nastro, adding "It's not required to take off, ensuring that all passengers are back on the flight. It is at will.”
Also to note, the Department of Transportation says the airline may not be required to offload any passenger’s checked bags before the plane takes off.
If you are stuck on a plane during a tarmac delay, is the airline required to give you a full meal?
"Airlines do not have to serve passengers full meals," said Nastro. However, she said, "They must have enough food to be able to accommodate every single passenger - and drinking water - during that time period that they are on the tarmac.”
According to the US DOT, during a tarmac delay, airlines must provide you with a snack, such as a granola bar, and drinking water no later than two hours after the start of the delay.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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