Understanding Ground Delays and Ground Stops: A Guide for Travelers
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are preparing to travel to spend time with loved ones. However, with the holiday season comes the risk of potential travel delays. Former flight attendant and travel expert Bobby Laurie joins FOX Weather to share valuable travel tips for navigating the upcoming holiday season. In this article, we will delve into two common aviation phrases that can impact your travel plans: ground delays and ground stops.
With Thanksgiving upon us, it is essential to have a plan in place in case of potential travel delays. Former flight attendant and travel expert Bobby Laurie joins FOX Weather to share his expertise on navigating the holiday travel season.
What is a Ground Delay?
A ground delay impacts arriving flights to an airport where the ground delay is in effect. During a ground delay, flights are held at their destination airport for a specified period. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Ground Delay Programs are implemented to control air traffic volume at airports where the projected traffic demand is expected to exceed the airport’s acceptance rate for an extended period.
Flight board showing several delays and cancellations at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on July 1, 2025.
(FOX Weather)
Ground delays typically occur due to adverse weather conditions such as snow, wind, rain, thunderstorms, or ice. Additionally, issues with the runway, low ceilings, and low visibility caused by fog, smoke, or clouds can also trigger a ground delay.
An American Airlines plane is de-iced as high winds whip around 7.5 inches of new snow at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Thursday, December 22, 2022.
(David Joles/Star Tribune / Getty Images)
What is a Ground Stop?
Unlike ground delays, ground stops are usually short-term but more severe. They completely halt arriving traffic at the affected airport for the duration of the ground stop. According to the FAA, the most common reasons for a ground stop are to control air traffic volume, temporarily stop traffic to allow for the implementation of a longer-term solution, or when the affected airport’s acceptance rate has been reduced to zero.
A Southwest plane takes off as snow begins to fall at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022.
(Samuel Corum/Bloomberg)
Ground stop alerts will contain the three-letter airport code where the ground stop is occurring and the reason for the ground stop. It is up to each individual airline to determine whether a flight should be canceled or not based on the FAA’s ground stops and ground delays.
The following FAA ground stop alert was issued for Washington Dulles International Airport on Dec. 19, 2025.
(FAA)
To stay informed about ground delays and ground stops, visit the FAA’s National Airspace System Status page. By understanding the difference between ground delays and ground stops, you can better navigate the holiday travel season and minimize the impact of potential travel delays. For more information on ground delays and ground stops, visit Here.
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