Flight delayed? How long can you be kept aboard?

On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration suspended all U.S. flights due to communication issues at regional air traffic control centers. This measure, taken at around 2:15 p.m., held planes that hadn't yet taken off at their departure airports. The FAA declared the halt to be a response to "extraordinary circumstances and safety reasons."

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that the problem pertained to the regional centers responsible for directing aircraft between airports. This marks the first nationwide ground stop since January 2023, when an FAA computer system malfunction occurred. Prior to that, the last such stop took place following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

A new Department of Transportation rule, effective October 19, impacts passengers during such disruptions. Airlines are no longer obligated to compensate passengers when a government system malfunctions or fails, directly affecting an airline's ability to fly safely and could not have been anticipated. However, the current situation remains fluid, and the extent of its implications are still unfolding.

This ground stop could fall under the aforementioned rule, but the details are uncertain due to the rapidly changing circumstances. The rule, stemming from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, exempts ten types of disruptions from the category of delays that are within an airline's control. These include passenger deaths, extreme weather damage, baggage system outages, cybersecurity attacks, government system shutdowns, overheated brakes, unscheduled maintenance, medical emergencies, unruly passengers, and airport closures due to volcanic ash, wind, or wind shear.

The 600 or so flights that were diverted on Friday, coupled with the 10,000 cancellations reported by late Friday night, have affected hundreds of thousands of travelers. Passengers stuck overnight may require a hotel, food, and water. Those with urgent needs, such as medication or special dietary restrictions, are particularly vulnerable.

While some airlines have offered reimbursement, PIRG, a consumer rights advocacy group, advises passengers to request a full refund instead of an airline voucher. Airlines may offer either flight credits or full refunds, but not both.

A separate law governs tarmac delays, which stipulates that passengers must be informed about the flight status, provided medical care and access to working bathrooms. After one hour, they are entitled to food and water. After three hours on a domestic flight, passengers have the right to return to the gate and disembark, unless the pilot and the airport deem it unsafe for security or safety reasons.

In such cases, passengers have limited rights. Travel insurance coverage depends on the policy, and Murray advises against purchasing it solely for this purpose, as a cancelled flight already entitles passengers to a full refund by law.