What defines a Creeping Delay?

A creeping delay is characterized by the changing of the estimated time of departure (ETD) or estimated time of arrival (ETA) multiple times after the initial announcement. This phenomenon often occurs in the context of air travel when unforeseen circumstances, such as aircraft technical issues or operational constraints, necessitate adjustments to the schedule. It creates uncertainty for passengers, as they may not know whether to expect further delays or if the situation is stabilizing.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what constitutes a creeping delay. A delay announced less than 30 minutes prior pertains more to the timing of the communication rather than the pattern of delays. A delay caused by security checks can happen but does not inherently involve multiple changes to the ETD/ETA. Lastly, a pre-planned delay implies that the delay was scheduled intentionally in advance and does not align with the unpredictable nature of creeping delays. Thus, the defining characteristic of creeping delays is the repeated adjustments made to the expected times, which can cause confusion and frustration among travelers.