Reason flight is delayed, leaves woman unsure how to explain to dad
A video about a passenger claiming that her flight was delayed because of another person attempting to film content for social media has gone viral on TikTok.
The clip was posted by TikTok user @alannacollinss and has amassed more than 2.8 million views since it was shared on February 20. The footage shows a woman sitting on a plane, appearing visibly unimpressed.
A note overlaid on the clip reads: "Pov your flight is delayed cause you had to wait for an Irish TikToker to finish their 'I almost missed my flight' video."
In the caption accompanying the post, the user added: "Not sure how I'll explain this one to my dad as to why we got delayed."
Regulations on Flight Delays
Flight delays have become increasingly common, with disruptions caused by weather, airline operations, and broader aviation system issues. In November 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reported a total of 30,152 air carrier delays, 27,289 national aviation system delays and 2,569 extreme weather delays. These figures, drawn from 10 major U.S. airlines, highlight the ongoing challenges facing air travel.
The DOT has clear policies on how long passengers can be kept on a delayed flight. The agency states: "The Department investigates all extended tarmac delays."
Airlines are required to ensure that domestic flights do not remain on the tarmac for more than three hours without allowing passengers to deplane, while international flights have a four-hour limit before passengers must be given the option to exit, the DOT says.
Exceptions to these rules apply only in cases of safety, security, or air traffic control-related reasons. Additionally, if an airline starts moving the aircraft back to a disembarkation point within the set time limits, the rules may not apply, the DOT adds.
'How Does This Happen'
While the viral video does not provide further details on the alleged delay, it has sparked discussion on TikTok, with viewers debating whether social-media users should be more mindful of their surroundings when filming in public spaces.
CharlotteM wrote, "How does this happen. I've never been on a flight where they've waited for anyone," and abacjd also asked: "And they let her do this?"
Maria Ninguém agreed, saying: "I thought planes didn't wait for nobody."
User @notsonoble_six posted: "Zero excuse as a grown adult to be late for a flight, cruise, etc. I'd genuinely rather miss it entirely than to make everybody wait on me. The embarrassment gotta be brutal."
User @shaunaleddy commented: "I think doing it on purpose is so selfish just get there on time! I can understand traffic or an accident but doing it for a trend etc …"
Darling Buds wrote: "There should be an absolute no waiting rule, regardless of checked bags etc. No excuses."
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. This video has not been independently verified.
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