DFW invited to get off plane? 9-24-23
Sep 25, 23, 9:14 am
#33
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But it wasn't random.
The pilot disclosed that there was an indefinite delay, and even a chance that the flight would not depart that night. That news alone would make some people want to immediately disembark.
That nobody took the opportunity is beside the point. Better to disclose the fact and allow people who are wavering to leave, rather than have people demanding later on during the indefinite delay - in the worst case just as a departure slot becomes free - that they now want to get off.
The pilot disclosed that there was an indefinite delay, and even a chance that the flight would not depart that night. That news alone would make some people want to immediately disembark.
That nobody took the opportunity is beside the point. Better to disclose the fact and allow people who are wavering to leave, rather than have people demanding later on during the indefinite delay - in the worst case just as a departure slot becomes free - that they now want to get off.
All one would have to do is look out the window. The reason is/was weather. Ground stops, ramp closures and the uncertainty if or when the flight would depart. It's 3 hours on a domestic or 4 for an international flight. All they need to do is provide you with the opportunity to deplane. The plane can sit for all day and as long as they given you the out, it's on you at the end. This is where self education on tarmac delays would be helpful for the mass population.
We took off 2.5 hours late. No one deplaned.
Sep 25, 23, 9:44 am
#34
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I've heard pilots or FAs make this announcement maybe 1-2 times per year and definitely more often after the DOT implemented the tarmac wait time rules. It typically comes with the warning that if you deplane, you can't change your mind and get back on. It's not that uncommon when there are delays that will likely result in long wait times. I've heard this twice so far this year, once for weather pre-pushback and once for maintenance after we had already boarded but they didn't (yet) want to deplane everyone (though we eventually did just this after about two hours).
Sep 25, 23, 9:53 am
#35
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I've heard pilots or FAs make this announcement maybe 1-2 times per year and definitely more often after the DOT implemented the tarmac wait time rules. It typically comes with the warning that if you deplane, you can't change your mind and get back on. It's not that uncommon when there are delays that will likely result in long wait times. I've heard this twice so far this year, once for weather pre-pushback and once for maintenance after we had already boarded but they didn't (yet) want to deplane everyone (though we eventually did just this after about two hours).
Sep 25, 23, 10:30 am
#36
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I'm surprised. Given the tight situation at LHR and this being AA's bread and butter destination, one would think they would prioritize this aircraft for departure. (on the AA side, they can't on the ATC end)
Sep 25, 23, 10:54 am
#37
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This is a good thing for the pax, allow them to stretch their legs and roam freely in the terminal. Also, if pax choose to not continuing their journey or go with another carrier, also fine.
This is pretty standard across all carriers, at least in the US.
Sep 25, 23, 11:39 am
#38
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Okay, fair. In 5 decades of flying I had never heard this type of announcement before, thus my surprise.
Well, sort of. I had a window seat, and while it was raining, it honestly didnt seem that bad of a weather situation. And yes, I agree that it would be helpful for flyers to understand tarmac delay rules. Or for the pilot to explain them.
We took off 2.5 hours late. No one deplaned.
Well, sort of. I had a window seat, and while it was raining, it honestly didnt seem that bad of a weather situation. And yes, I agree that it would be helpful for flyers to understand tarmac delay rules. Or for the pilot to explain them.
We took off 2.5 hours late. No one deplaned.
Sep 25, 23, 12:39 pm
#39
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DOT rules require different actions at different points in an extended tarmac delay. By offering to let you deplane before they close the main cabin door, they are resetting the Tarmac delay clock. You don't have to be allowed another opportunity to deplane for another 3 hours for domestic flights (4 for int'l). So it is basically their way of saying that you might be on this plane for up to another 3 hours and still not actually go anywhere. I'm a pilot and we always make this announcement if we anticipate a lengthy delay on the ground. I have seen people get off when they obviously won't make connections etc.
Sep 25, 23, 3:41 pm
#40
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Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations 259.4 includes the answers to many of the questions raised in this thread.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/259.4
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/259.4
Sep 25, 23, 4:10 pm
#41
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OP: This reply, in particular the first sentence, is the best answer you're going to get.
Sep 25, 23, 6:11 pm
#42
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So now they are saying we have clearance to take off. But also offered to let people deplane. Said “this is your last chance to get off otherwise you’re making the flight with us”. That seems messed up. Like we should be scared to fly. SMH
Annnnd no one left. But why the offer if we have clearance to leave? Makes no sense.
Annnnd no one left. But why the offer if we have clearance to leave? Makes no sense.
International flights are even worse. You have a delay and passengers want off. You offer everyone the opportunity but ask that they please deplane now as the checked bags must be removed. Takes 30 minutes to get the bags off and just as you’re closing the door to push someone else decides they want off! Rinse and Repeat!
Last edited by Jeff767; Sep 25, 23 at 6:17 pm
Sep 25, 23, 6:47 pm
#43
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Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations 259.4 includes the answers to many of the questions raised in this thread.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/259.4
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/259.4
https://www.transportation.gov/indiv...nsumer-reports
and potentially get fined (as alluded earlier, AA got fined earlier last month for 4.1 million across 43 delays impacting 5821 passengers
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2023-0001-0009
but
Of the $4.1 million assessed, $2.05 million will be credited to the airline for compensation provided to passengers on the affected flights.
Sep 25, 23, 7:18 pm
#44
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Had a similar but less vague instance in February. Evening flight to PHX, door closed but the captain said we didn't have clearance to push back due to "weather expected in PHX at our arrival time". We sat for 15-20 min, then the FA announced we should be pushing back in another 20 min, but they would open the door once and let anyone off who wanted off. "If you checked a bag, it's going to PHX." She also said the weather in PHX would cause many arrival delays, so those with connections may still make them if that incoming plane was delayed as well. Approximately 20 people got off (A320), PHX was my destination that night so I stayed on. Not sure what I would've done if I'd had a connection. We did end up taking off in about 20 minutes. All in all I thought it was handled pretty well by AA.
