Flight Delayed by a Ground Stop: What You're Owed in the US
In the US there is no federal cash compensation for a delayed flight. You are entitled to a refund if the flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you choose not to travel, and to food, water and deplaning after a long tarmac delay.
The honest answer: no cash compensation
US passenger protection law does not mandate cash compensation for delay. The EU's model — a fixed payment per passenger based on distance — has no US equivalent. Airlines may offer vouchers or miles voluntarily, but they are not required to, and a ground stop is a government air traffic restriction rather than an airline failure.
What you are entitled to: a refund
The US Department of Transportation requires airlines to refund the full fare, including taxes and fees, when a flight is cancelled or significantly changed and the passenger chooses not to accept the alternative. The refund must go back to the original form of payment — not a voucher — unless the passenger agrees otherwise.
- Significantly changed is defined by DOT, generally three hours for domestic and six for international itineraries.
- Refund, not credit. You may be offered a voucher; you are entitled to ask for the original payment method.
- Cancelled flight. If the airline cancels and you do not fly, you get the money back.
- Ancillary fees. Baggage and seat fees tied to a cancelled flight are refundable too.
- Codeshare. The ticketing carrier processes the refund, even if another airline operated the flight.
Tarmac delay rights
If you are stuck on an aircraft on the tarmac, US rules require the airline to provide food and water after two hours, operable lavatories, and the opportunity to deplane after three hours for domestic flights (four hours for international departures). Airlines must also have contingency plans and publish them.
A practical claim sequence
- Document the cancellation or significant change with a screenshot including the timestamp.
- Ask for a refund in writing from the ticketing carrier and keep the reference number.
- Submit the request through the airline's own form before using a third-party service.
- If the airline refuses a refund you believe is required, file a complaint with DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
- Only use a claims service when the amount is large and the airline has refused twice — the commission is usually 25–35%.
Travel insurance and trip delay coverage
A travel insurance policy or the trip delay benefit on a credit card can pay for meals and a hotel when a ground stop strands you. These benefits are contractual, not legal rights, and they usually require a minimum delay of 6 or 12 hours plus receipts. Check the benefit guide before you buy a policy specifically for this.
Sources
FAQ
Can I get compensation for a ground stop in the US?
No federal cash compensation exists. You may get a refund if you choose not to travel, plus any voluntary airline goodwill.
Am I entitled to a hotel during a ground stop?
Not under federal rule. Airlines often provide one for controllable delays but not for weather or air traffic restrictions.
Is a ground stop a 'controllable' delay?
No. FAA traffic management orders are treated as outside the airline's control, which affects hotels and vouchers.
Do I have to accept a voucher instead of a refund?
No. For a cancelled or significantly changed flight you can insist on a refund to the original payment method.
Where do I file a complaint?
The DOT Office of Aviation Consumer Protection accepts complaints online and forwards them to the airline.