Most affected: SFO · ground delay, max 11 hours and 30 minutes
Live from the FAA
Airlines usually need a day or more to recover from a nationwide ground stop. Planes and crews end up in the wrong cities, so expect more cancellations the next morning even after the stop lifts. Check your flight before leaving for the airport, and rebook in the app as early as you can.
Nationwide ground stop lifted
The FAA has lifted the nationwide ground stop, and domestic flights are departing again after more than four hours. An estimated 1.5 million people were stranded, according to data firm Cirium. JetBlue cancelled its remaining flights tonight except Europe-bound departures from JFK and Boston, and expects more cancellations tomorrow. Air Canada cancelled its Canada–U.S. flights for the rest of the evening. Expect more delays and cancellations while airlines recover. Check your flight before going to the airport.
When departures stop nationwide, aircraft and crews don't get to where tomorrow's flights start. Crews also run into federal duty-time limits. Airlines cancel flights to reset, often for most of the next day.
What to do, in order
Check your flight in the airline app before you leave home.
If it's cancelled, rebook in the app right away. Seats on the next flights go first.
Ask about partner airlines and nearby airports.
If no option works, ask for a cash refund. Under the DOT rule you don't have to take a voucher.
Keep receipts for meals, hotels and rides. Some airlines reimburse them.
Driving instead?
Rental cars at the big hubs sell out during disruptions. Book a refundable one now if you might drive.
Tip: the app is usually faster than the phone line or the counter. Try all three at once.
Your rights
Do I get a refund?
Under U.S. DOT rules, if your airline cancels your flight or changes it significantly (3+ hours domestic, 6+ international) and you turn down the alternative, you're owed a cash refund to your original payment method. You don't have to accept a voucher.
Will they pay for my hotel or meals?
No federal law requires it. Many airlines commit to meals or hotels for delays they control. Weather and FAA air traffic holds usually don't count. Check the DOT dashboard for your airline.
Should I rebook now?
If your flight is cancelled, rebook in the app while you wait in line or on hold. Seats go fast. If it's only delayed, wait for an update before giving up your seat.
Why is there a ground stop?
Common reasons are weather (wind, thunderstorms, low visibility), equipment outages, staffing shortages and runway problems. The FAA status feed lists the reason for each active stop or delay program.
How long do ground stops last?
Most last 30 minutes to a few hours. The FAA often posts an expected end time and can extend or lift it early.
Do I get compensation for a delayed flight?
In the U.S., airlines don't owe cash compensation for delays, though many offer meals or hotels for delays they cause. In Canada, the Air Passenger Protection Regulations can require compensation for delays within the airline's control. In the EU and UK, EC 261 can apply.
What if I miss my connection?
If both flights are on one ticket, the airline must rebook you at no cost. Ask for the next available flight, including partner airlines.
Copy-paste scripts
Hi, my flight [FLIGHT #] on [DATE] was cancelled. I'd like to be rebooked on the next available flight to [CITY], including partner airlines. If none works, I'm requesting a full cash refund under DOT rules.
Hi, my flight [FLIGHT #] on [DATE] was cancelled and I'm not accepting the rebooking offered. Under the DOT refund rule I'm requesting a full refund to my original form of payment, not a voucher or credit. Booking code: [CODE].
Hi, my flight [FLIGHT #] was cancelled and I'm stuck overnight in [CITY]. Does your customer service plan cover a hotel or meal voucher for this disruption? Thanks for your help.
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This page links to official sources and doesn't track individual flights. Always confirm with your airline.