A ground stop at your destination (or a connection) means your flight will wait at the gate until the FAA lifts it. Here's how to handle it.
1. Check the details
- Look up the airport on GroundStop.app (for example EWR or LGA) to see the reason, scheduled end time and probability of extension.
- Check whether your departure airport is in the ground stop's held centers; if not, your flight may still depart.
- Your airline app is the source of truth for your specific flight.
2. Stay near the gate
Ground stops can end earlier than scheduled, and airlines often board held flights quickly once they do. Don't go far, and keep notifications on.
3. Think about rebooking early
- If the probability of extension is high, or a ground delay program follows, delays can stretch for hours.
- During major weather events airlines often issue travel waivers that let you change flights without a fee. Check the airline's website or app.
- Rebooking in the app is usually faster than waiting in line at the counter, and the best options go quickly.
4. Know what you're owed
In the US, delays caused by weather and air traffic control are generally considered outside an airline's control, so meals and hotels aren't guaranteed, though many airlines offer them anyway. If your flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you decide not to travel, you're generally entitled to a refund. Rules and airline commitments change; the US Department of Transportation publishes current details for each airline.
5. Connecting? Watch the other airport too
A ground stop at your connecting airport can disrupt the rest of your trip. Pin the airports you care about on the live map to watch them at a glance, or set up free email alerts.