What are my rights during a long tarmac delay in the US?
US DOT rules limit tarmac delays to 3 hours for domestic flights and 4 hours for international. Airlines must provide water and snacks within 2 hours, working lavatories throughout, and the option to deplane before the limit. Violations carry fines up to $27,500 per passenger.
The DOT tarmac delay rule (14 CFR 259.4) applies to any US airport and any airline serving one. Airlines must have a tarmac contingency plan on file. The 3/4-hour clock starts when the aircraft leaves the gate for departure or lands after arrival. There is no federal cash compensation for tarmac delay itself — the enforcement is via DOT fines paid to the government, not passengers. But an involuntarily missed onward connection caused by a tarmac delay is a rebooking obligation under the airline's contract of carriage.
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Last verified 2026-07-29.