Why do people get denied boarding for being late, when the plane is still on the tarmac for many minutes after?

Why do people get denied boarding for being late, when the plane is still on the tarmac for many minutes after? - People Walking Towards White Plane

Once in a while I get posts in my Facebook newsfeed about people complaining that they are denied boarding for being late but can still see their plane on the tarmac.

I guess it is people seeing the plane 'idle' on the tarmac but denied boarding (for being late) that makes them start making assumptions and accusations.

Knowing what goes on behind the scenes might help people appreciate being on time.

What's going on / preventing people from being allowed to run on and take their seat, assuming an air-bridge?






Pictures about "Why do people get denied boarding for being late, when the plane is still on the tarmac for many minutes after?"

Why do people get denied boarding for being late, when the plane is still on the tarmac for many minutes after? - Photo of People Boarding Airliner
Why do people get denied boarding for being late, when the plane is still on the tarmac for many minutes after? - White and Orange Airplane on Runway
Why do people get denied boarding for being late, when the plane is still on the tarmac for many minutes after? - People Walking Inside Airline



How long is a plane allowed to sit on the tarmac?

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), there are tarmac delay rules that U.S. airlines must follow: carriers are not allowed to hold a domestic flight on the tarmac for more than three hours and an international flight for more than four hours, barring a couple of exceptions (like if the pilot deems ...

What are the reasons for denied boarding?

Non-Discriminatory Reasons For Being Denied Boarding
  • Being intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs.
  • Attempting to interfere with the duties of a flight crew member.
  • Disrupting flight operations or engaging in unruly behavior.
  • Having an offensive odor that is not caused by a disability or illness.


How do you get denied for boarding?

Compensation due to Overbooking Perhaps the most common reason for denied boarding are overbooked flights. Airlines typically sell more seats to their flights than they have available. This ensures that there won't be any extra seats if there are passengers who do not show up for their flight.

Can I be late for boarding plane?

Usually the computer cuts off the boarding process 30 minutes before departure time. But ALWAYS ask. There are thousands of reasons that you might be allowed to board when you checkin late. Only in any exceptional case, they MIGHT allow you to board although it completely depends on airlines/Airport authorities.




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Stas Knop, Longxiang Qian, Magda Ehlers, Markus Winkler