How long can we be delayed on the ground before we must return to gate?

How long can we be delayed on the ground before we must return to gate?

• A. 180 minutes domestic
• B. 240 minutes international
• C. 120 minutes domestic
• D. 300 minutes international

Answer: (A)

This question centers on the tarmac delay rule from the Department of Transportation. For domestic flights, passengers on the ground may not be kept on a non-moving aircraft for more than 180 minutes. After that point, the airline must return to the gate or deplane if it’s safe to do so, with the aim of protecting passenger welfare. International delays have a longer limit—four hours. There are exceptions for safety, security, weather, or ATC constraints, but the standard domestic limit is 180 minutes.

This question centers on the tarmac delay rule from the Department of Transportation. For domestic flights, passengers on the ground may not be kept on a non-moving aircraft for more than 180 minutes. After that point, the airline must return to the gate or deplane if it’s safe to do so, with the aim of protecting passenger welfare. International delays have a longer limit—four hours. There are exceptions for safety, security, weather, or ATC constraints, but the standard domestic limit is 180 minutes.