Ground stops, explained
Plain-English guides to how air traffic is managed when things go wrong, and what it means for your flight.
What is a ground stop?
What a ground stop is, why it's issued, what happens to your flight, and how long it usually lasts.
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Ground stop vs. ground delay program: what's the difference?
How a ground stop (no departures) differs from a ground delay program (assigned departure times), and what each means for travelers.
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What does “ground stop possible” mean?
How to read the FAA operations plan: what “GS possible”, “probable” and “expected” mean, and how to convert the Zulu times.
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How long do ground stops last?
Typical ground stop lengths from GroundStop.app's own records, why they get extended, and what usually comes next.
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What is an ARTCC, and why are departures held in other cities?
How the FAA's Air Route Traffic Control Centers work, and why a ground stop in one city can hold flights at airports far away.
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What is an EDCT (Expect Departure Clearance Time)?
What an EDCT is, when flights get one, what it means for boarding and your delay, why it changes, and how to look up your flight's EDCT.
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What to do if your flight is affected by a ground stop
Practical steps for travelers: what to expect at the gate, when to rebook, and what airlines typically owe you for weather and ATC delays.
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Your rights when your flight is delayed or cancelled
US refund rules for cancelled and significantly delayed flights, what airlines commit to (meals, hotels, rebooking), tarmac delays, and EU/UK rules for international trips.
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