The US Airways Contingency Plan for Lengthy Tarmac Delays is the result of new rules put forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation to address airline service during conditions that result on long on-board delays for passengers. This contingency plan is explicitly separate from and not a part of US Airways' contract of carriage.

US Airways fully complies with all U.S. Department of Transportation rules regarding lengthy tarmac delays. Our contingency plan is intended to provide you with information regarding US Airways' policies and procedures for handling your travel on our airline in the event of a lengthy ground delay for your aircraft.

Limits of lengthy onboard ground delays

Lengthy onboard ground delays can take place both during taxi-out prior to departure, and during taxi-in after landing. During both of these phases of travel, the following limits apply:

  • For domestic flights, US Airways will not permit an aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three (3) hours.** Prior to reaching three (3) hours, US Airways will return the aircraft to the gate, or another suitable disembarkation point, where passengers will be allowed to deplane.
  • For international flights that depart from or arrive at a U.S. airport, US Airways will not permit an aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than four (4) hours.** Prior to reaching four (4) hours, US Airways will return the aircraft to the gate, or another suitable disembarkation point, where passengers will be allowed to deplane.

** Delays longer than these time limits may be necessary if (i) the pilot-in- command determines there is a safety-related or security-related reason why the aircraft cannot leave its position on the tarmac to deplane passengers; or (ii) air traffic control advises the pilot-in-command that returning to the gate or another disembarkation point elsewhere in order to deplane passengers would significantly disrupt airport operations.

Passenger services during a lengthy onboard ground delay

For all flights, US Airways will provide passengers with adequate food and potable water no later than two (2) hours after the aircraft leaves the gate (in the case of departure) or touches down (in the case of arrival) if the aircraft remains on the tarmac, unless the pilot in command determines that safety or security considerations preclude such service.

For all flights, US Airways will ensure that operable lavatory facilities will remain available while the aircraft remains on the tarmac. US Airways will also ensure adequate medical attention is available, if needed.

Resources

US Airways has taken steps to ensure sufficient resources are available to implement this contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays, when necessary.

Coordination

To better serve passengers, US Airways has also coordinated this contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays with the local airport authorities for all medium and large airports.