Getting through an unexpected delay on the tarmac
Have you ever boarded a flight, the plane leaves the gate and just ends up sitting on the tarmac? Usually these delays are less than a half hour but there have been reports for people sitting for hours! Craziness. It’s not right to do to passengers but it does happen. Generally it’s not the airline’s fault either.
Most often times tarmac delays happen because there is a high volume of flights going into your destination city. Air traffic control then has to cut back on the flights flying in. The closer your departing city is from your arriving city, the higher chance you’ll be sitting there for longer. Why? Say you’re leaving out of San Diego, CA and landing in Las Vegas, NV – roughly a 45 min flight. For those flights that have departed cities such as Chicago or Orlando and are already in the air – they have higher priority. They’ve been in the air longer, their passengers have been on the plane longer, and let’s face it – first plane up should be the first plane down.
So now you’re stuck on the tarmac, what do you do? Well there are a couple things you can’t do – or will at least be severely reprimanded for doing. No restroom, no electronics, no standing up, no food or drinks to buy, etc.
Before you even get on the airplane I recommend using the restroom in the airport. Not only will you have more room (we all know how cramped the plane lavatories are), but you won’t have to wait for a fasten seatbelt sign to go off nor will you have to wait for one of the two restrooms to free up.
I recommend packing an emergency snack as well. Whether it’s a meal replacement bar (like Power Bar or a Cliff bar) or an apple – food is always good to have. Let’s be honest, pretzels and peanuts aren’t going to fill your stomach and keep you full. Plus, they usually don’t even pass those out until you’re up in the air! This food item of choice should be easily portable, can’t spill and whatever is left over after you’re done should be easily tossed. Another great idea (courtesy of my mom!) is to bring an empty water bottle with you. Don’t worry, TSA won’t take it away because there is no liquid in it. When you get past security, you can fill it up at the nearest water fountain.
Bring with you something that doesn’t require electricity to entertain you: a magazine, a book, a sketchpad, sudoku, a crossword puzzle, etc. You’re allowed to use these items at all time during a flight – taxing, in flight and landing. Just remember – don’t put your tray table down!
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to start up a conversation with the person next to you. You’re both stuck in a situation where you can’t use your electronic devices to burn time so start burning time by talking! If they’re not into a conversation, go back to your magazine. It never hurts to try.
Be sure to check out my blogs: ‘Starting a conversation’ and ‘Ending a conversation’ as well!
Like I say in most of my blogs: Chill out. Take a deep breath. The situation is out of your control so just roll with it. You will get to your destination eventually if you’re calm about things. The minute you start to act out and cause a riot, I can’t guarantee that you’ll get to your destination. In fact, there is a chance you’ll end up in the nearest jail cell if you get too rowdy.
So be nice, be calm and be prepared.
