Lengthy Tarmac Delay Plan
Pursuant to the Department of Transportation "Enhanced Protection for Airline Passengers" regulations (14 CFR Part 259), Vision Airlines, Inc. has adopted a Contingency Plan that will be implemented in the unlikely event of a lengthy tarmac delay for its scheduled and public charter flights at each United States airport at which it operates such air service, including diversion airports, and shall adhere to its plan's terms. A tarmac delay means the holding of an aircraft on the ground either before taking off or after landing with no opportunity for passengers to deplane. Our Operations team will work with the affected airport and in-flight teams to implement the plan which may include the participation of local airport authorities and other carriers.
Passengers are encouraged to bring essential needs onboard the aircraft in accordance with advised carry-on restrictions, including medicines and other medically required items, baby and child care products (i.e., diapers) and other items essential to personal health and communication requirements.
Domestic Flights:
Vision Airlines will not permit an aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three (3) hours without allowing the passengers an opportunity to deplane, unless:
The pilot-in-command determines there is a safety-related or security-related reason (e.g. weather, a directive from an appropriate government agency) why the aircraft cannot leave its position on the tarmac to deplane passengers; or
Air traffic control advises the pilot-in-command that returning to the gate or another disembarkation point elsewhere in order to deplane passengers would significantly disrupt airport operations.
International Flights:
For international flights that depart from or arrive at a U.S. airport, Vision Airlines will not permit an aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than four (4) hours before allowing passengers to deplane, unless:
The pilot-in-command determines there is a safety-related or security-related reason why the aircraft cannot leave its position on the tarmac to deplane passengers; or
Air traffic control advises the pilot-in-command that returning to the gate or another disembarkation point elsewhere in order to deplane passengers would significantly disrupt airport operations.
For All Flights:
For all flights, unless the pilot-in-command determines that safety or security considerations preclude such services, Vision Airlines will:
Provide adequate food (e.g. pretzels and granola bars) and bottled water no later than two (2) hours after the aircraft leaves the gate (in the case of departure) or touches down (in the case of an arrival) if the aircraft remains on the tarmac;
Operable lavatory facilities;
Maintain a comfortable cabin climate; and
First Aid and other medical attention if needed, while the aircraft remains on the tarmac.
Passenger Notification:
Vision Airlines will notify the passengers on the delayed flight of the status of the delay and reason for delay, if known, beginning 30 minutes after scheduled departure time (including any revised departure time that passengers were notified about before boarding) and every 30 minutes thereafter of the opportunity to deplane from the aircraft that is at the gate or another disembarkation area with the door open if the opportunity to deplane actually exists. Passengers should be aware that they deplane at their own risk and the flight could depart anytime without them.
Assurance of Implementation of Contingency Plan:
Vision Airlines has coordinated its Contingency Plan with airport authorities for the airports it serves, including diversion airports; the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); the Customs and Border Protection (CBP); and other entities. In the unlikely event that an aircraft remains on the tarmac for more than three (3) hours in the case of domestic flights or four (4) hours for international flights, Vision Airlines will have sufficient resources to implement its Contingency Plan.
Sharing of Facilities and Gates:
Vision Airlines will share its facilities and make all gates available that are under its control in the event of an emergency. Should an emergency occur, Vision Airlines will notify the airport authority and other pertinent parties of its available facilities and available gates.