delay clock · U.S. Department of Transportation · 2026-10-04
Compare Tarmac Hours with 3 or 4
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Example result
These hours are over the 3-hour deplane clock.
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A domestic flight's excessive tarmac delay is more than three hours.
Two hours have passed and you marked food as not offered. DOT enforcement records describe a snack and drink assurance by two hours.
- Tarmac hours entered: 3.25.
- Deplane clock: 3 hours.
- Over the deplane clock: yes.
- Food note: two-hour food assurance may apply.
What would change this
More time on the tarmac, or a domestic rather than international flight, can cross the clock.
Next step
Safety, security, and air-traffic control can extend the time. This tool cannot judge those exceptions. Ask the airline for the tarmac-delay record.
Keep the gate and deplane times if you file a complaint.
This tool gives general information. It is not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change. Check the result with a licensed attorney or a legal aid office before you act.
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- Source: DOT tarmac-delay final rule materials and 49 U.S.C. 42301, as stated in the DOT rule PDF, checked 2026-10-04.
- Excessive tarmac delay: more than three hours domestic, more than four hours international.
- The two-hour food note comes from DOT enforcement orders that describe the snack-and-drink assurance. Exceptions for safety, security, and air-traffic control are not decided here.
Data as of 2026-10-04. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation — Tarmac Delay Final Rule.
What this does not cover
- The two-hour food note comes from DOT enforcement orders that describe the carrier assurance.
- The deplane definition is in the DOT rule and 49 U.S.C. 42301.
- The tool does not file a complaint.
This tool gives general information. It is not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change. Check the result with a licensed attorney or a legal aid office before you act.
Keep the gate and deplane times if you file a complaint.