Originally Posted by
JBord
#1 and #2 can happen at any time, and have. Someone will keep me honest, but I believe the airline pays for return in #1, and the federal government in #2.
#3 should no longer be an issue, there shouldn't be flights still in the air from before the order was issued. They would just fall into one of the first two categories. I don't know if many have been sent back due to the rule change, but I believe any that were would fall into #2 as well.
As I understand it, the order is not clear and is open to varying interpretations. It's quite possible that people will still be presenting themselves, and airlines boarding them, while interpretations are evolving. It's inevitable when you legislate on the fly and secretively: you don't consider all the scenarios.