SkyWest's extended ground delay program plans require an aircraft to returm back to the gate, or to remote parking away from the gate, before it spends three hours (for domestic flights/ four hours for International flights) on the tarmac unless:
- The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) determines there is a safety or security risk to deplaning passengers, such as a weather event or an air traffic control or government directive; or,
- ATC (Air Traffic Control) advises the PIC that a return to the gate, or allowing passengers to deplane at a location other than the gate, would significantly disrupt airport operations.
SkyWest Flight Control office will work closely with our flight crew, local station operations, and the major partner's Operation Control Center to proactively manage delays and ensure the comfort and safety of passengers in the following ways:
- Taxi out/departure delays – SkyWest will monitor ground holds of more than 90 minutes to prevent them from extending beyond 180 minutes/three hours.
- Taxi in/arrival delays – SkyWest will monitor ground holds of more than 60 minutes to prevent them from being longer than 90 minutes.
- Diversions (non-scheduled stops due to weather events, medical emergencies etc.) – SkyWest will commit to doing everything possible to prevent ground delays of more than 180 minutes/three hours.
In the event of an extended ground delay SkyWest Airlines will make every effort possible to provide for the comfort and safety of our passengers. SkyWest will:
- Make timely announcements regarding the flight status
- Allow customers to use cell phones and laptop computers and move freely about the cabin, in accordance with safety and federal guidelines
- Make every reasonable effort to ensure the aircraft is properly serviced and appropriately provisioned, based on factors such as aircraft type and trip length
- Provide snacks and beverages to passengers if a delay exceeds 2 hours, when it is safe and sensible to do so
- Flight deck/InFlight crew will monitor passenger and cabin conditions and notify SkyWest operational officials to change the course of action when necessary. This will include the provision of any needed medical attention.
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