### Question
How does economic regulation define tarmac delay?


### Answer
Under *49 U.S.C. § 42301*, **tarmac delay** is defined as:

> the period during which passengers are on board an aircraft on the tarmac—


(A) awaiting takeoff after the aircraft doors have been closed or after passengers have been boarded if the passengers have not been advised they are free to deplane

#### Citation:
  - *49 U.S.C. § 42301*
  - Heading: **SUBTITLE VII-AVIATION PROGRAMS > PART A-AIR COMMERCE AND SAFETY > subpart ii-economic regulation > CHAPTER 423-PASSENGER AIR SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS**

