An airport's worst waiting area: The Penalty Box {Gadling}

Jan 23rd 2008 12:26PM Don't forget that the airlines, even if this situation already exists prior to boarding, may close the door and push back from the gate to score an "on time" departure for your flight... "hoping" that it will be resolved before your flight gets to that number one spot to take off. From what I understand, an "on time" departure applies only to the time the flight leaves the gate, and is not affected by any delay that happens out on the tarmac.