Tarmac Delay Contingency Plan

Gridiron Air is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our customers. We are committed to operating a safe and reliable schedule. Environmental and operational factors may occasionally cause lengthy tarmac delays. In compliance with our customer commitment and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, we have planned and prepared to manage and minimize lengthy tarmac delays on Gridiron Air flights.


Consistent with DOT regulations, this Tarmac Delay Plan applies to Gridiron Air supplemental and public charter flights at each U.S. airport at which Gridiron Air operates or markets such service.


Assurances to Customers


Gridiron Air will provide a passenger on a flight experiencing a tarmac delay with the opportunity to deplane before three hours (domestic) or four hours (international), unless the flight begins returning to a suitable disembarkation point within those limits, the pilot-in-command determines deplaning would jeopardize safety or security, or air traffic control advises that returning would significantly disrupt airport operations.


For all covered flights, Gridiron Air will provide adequate food and drinking water no later than two hours after the start of the tarmac delay, unless the pilot-in-command determines that safety or security considerations preclude such service.


For all covered flights, Gridiron Air will provide operable lavatory facilities, maintain comfortable cabin temperatures, and ensure adequate medical attention if needed during a tarmac delay.


Gridiron Air will keep passengers informed of the status of the delay when the tarmac delay exceeds 30 minutes, and thereafter may provide subsequent updates, including flight status changes, as Gridiron Air deems appropriate. Gridiron Air will likewise keep passengers informed of flight status while the aircraft is at a gate or suitable disembarkation point with the cabin door open, once the delay exceeds 30 minutes, with subsequent updates as appropriate.


For departing flights and diversions, Gridiron Air will timely notify passengers each time the opportunity to deplane exists. Gridiron Air has sufficient resources to implement this plan, and has coordinated this plan with airport authorities, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Transportation Security Administration at each U.S. airport we serve, including our regular diversion airports.


What Customers Should Know

 

  • Deplaning may occur at a terminal gate or at a designated aircraft parking position via stairs and ground equipment, when it is safe and secure to do so.
     
  • Customers who wish to deplane and make alternative travel arrangements may do so once the aircraft is in position, all operational requirements are complete, and the pilot-in-command has authorized deplaning — at their own risk, as the flight could depart at any time without further notice.
     
  • In most cases, the flight will continue to its destination after customers who choose to deplane have done so.
     
  • Re-boarding is not available for customers who deplane at a remote parking position. If the aircraft has returned to a gate, customers may be advised how much time they have before re-boarding is required.
     
  • Checked baggage typically remains on the aircraft to its final destination; if the flight returns to the gate and is cancelled, customers can retrieve checked baggage at the airport.
     
  • Depending on catering and airport supplies, adequate food may take the form of a snack.
     
  • Customers will have access to lavatories provided the pilot-in-command has indicated it is safe to move about the cabin.
     
  • Flight attendants are trained to contact and coordinate with third-party medical providers if needed, and will coordinate with the pilot-in-command for any customer requiring immediate medical attention.
     
  • Gridiron Air will maintain comfortable cabin temperatures; if conditions become uncomfortable, the pilot-in-command will return to the gate as soon as possible or otherwise resolve the issue.
     
  • Customers are encouraged to carry essential items on board — medications, baby/childcare items, and similar necessities — as Gridiron Air will not have these available.
     
  • In an airport emergency, Gridiron Air will work with the airport operator and other carriers to share facilities and make gates available as needed.
    Gridiron Air will implement this plan consistent with the safe and secure operation of its aircraft.