The "taxi out time" refers to the duration between an aircraft's "pushback" from the gate (actual off-block time) and the moment it finally lifts off the runway. In 2026, average taxi out times at major global hubs like New York (JFK), London (LHR), and Chicago (ORD) range from 15 to 25 minutes. However, during peak "rush hours" or inclement weather, these times can exceed 45 minutes as planes join a departure queue. These statistics are meticulously tracked by organizations like Eurocontrol and the FAA to measure airport efficiency. For passengers, this time is crucial because while you are physically on the plane, you are not yet "in flight." Airlines factor these benchmarks into their "block time" (the total scheduled duration of a flight) to ensure on-time arrival statistics remain accurate. If you are flying from a smaller regional airport, your taxi out time might be as short as 5 to 7 minutes, reflecting the lack of congestion and shorter distances to the active runway.