FLIGHT Act Mandates Real-Time Text/Email Updates for Ground Delays Over 15 Minutes

The Frequent Logistics Information for Grounded and Held Travelers Act, or the FLIGHT Act, is pretty straightforward: it’s about making sure you aren’t sitting in a plane wondering what the heck is going on. Specifically, Section 2 targets those frustrating moments when your flight is delayed while you’re already on the aircraft, either stuck at the gate or taxiing on the runway. If that ground delay hits 15 minutes or more, major airlines must now start sending you updates via text or email.

No More Guessing Games on the Tarmac

This new rule, which updates Chapter 423 of title 49 of the U.S. Code, is a win for anyone who has ever felt like they were being held hostage on an airplane. Once the 15-minute mark is passed, the airline has to send you an electronic message—text or email—with the latest information. If they know the new estimated departure and arrival times, they have to include them. The best part? They can’t just tell you once and go silent. They are required to send a fresh update every 15 minutes until the plane actually starts moving again.

Think about the last time you were heading to a vital business meeting or trying to make a tight connection to see family. Having a mandated, frequent update means you can actually make informed decisions—like whether you need to call ahead to your destination or start rebooking. It cuts through the uncertainty and respects your time. For the airlines, this means setting up a reliable, automated communication system, which is a new operational lift for them, but it’s a huge improvement for customer service.

The Fine Print: Who Gets Notified and Who Doesn't

The bill does include a couple of practical details. First, the notification has to include an easy way for you to opt out of receiving further updates for that specific flight. If you’re trying to nap or just don’t want your phone buzzing every 15 minutes, you can hit the ‘stop’ button. Second, the requirement to provide estimated times is conditional: the airline only has to provide the estimated departure and arrival times “if that information is available.” This phrasing leaves a little wiggle room for airlines to skip the estimates if, say, the delay is due to an unforeseen maintenance issue where the timeline is genuinely unknown. However, they still have to send some update every quarter hour.

One key limitation to note is that this rule only applies to flights on “major carriers.” If you’re flying on a smaller regional airline that might be operating under a major carrier’s banner but isn’t technically a “major carrier” itself, you might not get the same guaranteed communication. While the rule covers most domestic and international flights, the exclusion of smaller operators means some passengers stuck on regional jets might still be left in the dark.