Tarmac delays

A Tarmac Delay is when you are on the aircraft, and it has pulled away from the gate to get ready for takeoff or has just landed and the doors of the aircraft are still closed, and you are kept waiting in the plane. In this circumstance, we will try to make you as comfortable as possible by doing the following:

We will provide you with access to the on board lavatories, heating/cooling, comfortable ventilation, and the ability to communicate with people outside of the aircraft at no cost. If you require urgent medical assistance during a tarmac delay, we will take all reasonable steps to facilitate access to medical assistance.

After a 3 hour tarmac delay at an airport in Canada, the plane will return to the gate so you can disembark if safe to do so. A plane can stay on the tarmac for up to 45 additional minutes, if it is likely that it will take off within that period and we are able to continue providing the same Tarmac Delay Services, when feasible.

This short extension is to ensure that the plane can take off if there is a reasonable prospect of this occurring – so that you can reach your final destination without the inconvenience of further delay or a flight cancellation.

If it is not likely that the plane can take off within the additional 45 minute window, the plane will return to the gate, unless it is prevented for reasons related to safety, security, customs control or air traffic control.

Complimentary water and snack service will be provided for a 3 hour tarmac delay.

Depending on the circumstances, it may not be possible for Swoop to allow you to disembark from the aircraft during a Tarmac Delay, for various reasons, including but not limited to concerns related to safety, security, or due to directions by Air Traffic Control or Customs Control.

If the plane returns to the gate for disembarking because of a tarmac delay, disembarking priority will be available to passengers with disabilities and their support person, service animal, if any, upon request and when feasible.