HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Business Journal looked at FAA data from 83 major airports across the country, and IAH ranks 16th for the longest tarmac wait times from when the plane leaves the gate to when it takes off.

For anyone traveling soon out of IAH, the waiting game doesn't end inside the airport.

"I mean, I've already set myself mentally to prepare to wait around longer if I need to," Isaac Manrique said.

According to FAA data reviewed by the Houston Business Journal, planes have been taking longer to take off from the tarmac since 2024. The study shows the average time for a plane to take off at 83 listed airports has jumped to 18.26 minutes from 17.82 in 2019.

Even though IAH only saw a slight uptick last year for tarmac departures, travelers we spoke with feel the a

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