B737-700 captain reported that during ground hold; the spoilers were extended and were never reset p...

Narrative:

Flight XXXX had been sitting at the gate due to an edct (estimated departure clearance time) related to weather on the east coast. I called the dispatcher; and he recommended boarding the flight while he called traffic management unit (tmu). We taxied out to prepare for a runway 9R departure; intersection M2. As we got in line; ATC advised us we had approximately 45 more minutes before our edct. I asked the first officer (first officer) to inquire ground control for a spot where we can shut down both engines. We figured that there may be some deviations for weather and possible holding for flow. ATC placed us behind an (other carrier) aircraft on taxiway lima; facing opposite the flow of traffic headed from the gates to runway 9R/M2 intersection.I pulled in close. It became apparent that the crj was running up his engines in order to burn fuel; probably to be within his takeoff weight limits. Because we were so close; the thrust from the engines of the crj was causing our aircraft to buffet in the jet blast. I discussed this with my first officer. I also mentioned my concern that the high thrust setting might create lift over our wings; and extended the spoilers as a preemptive measure. The thrust was strong enough to cause airspeed fluctuations and a continuous; gentle buffeting of our airframe. After 20 minutes; the crj was cleared for takeoff; followed by us. We completed the start-up and performed the before takeoff checklist. On the runway; the first officer set the power and commanded 'set takeoff thrust'. As the thrust levers advanced; the takeoff configuration warning horn sounded. I disconnected the autothrottle and pulled both throttles to idle. We had accelerated to less than 20 kts. I asked the first officer to inform ATC that we were aborting the takeoff and to request rejoining the line. ATC asked us 'what is the reason for your abortion?' we found that quite humorous; and we told them 'takeoff configuration warning'. I declined any assistance; and rechecked flaps; slats; and exercised the spoiler handle. We ran the before takeoff checklist again; and I repeated the before takeoff flow (throttle 'burst'; autothrottle on; flight attendant (flight attendant) 'ding'). After another 12 minute delay for takeoff sequencing; we had an uneventful departure from atl.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B737-700 Captain reported that during ground hold; the spoilers were extended and were never reset prior to take off roll; resulting in a rejected takeoff.

Narrative: Flight XXXX had been sitting at the gate due to an EDCT (Estimated Departure Clearance Time) related to weather on the east coast. I called the Dispatcher; and he recommended boarding the flight while he called Traffic Management Unit (TMU). We taxied out to prepare for a Runway 9R Departure; intersection M2. As we got in line; ATC advised us we had approximately 45 more minutes before our EDCT. I asked the FO (First Officer) to inquire Ground Control for a spot where we can shut down both engines. We figured that there may be some deviations for weather and possible holding for flow. ATC placed us behind an (other carrier) aircraft on Taxiway Lima; facing opposite the flow of traffic headed from the gates to Runway 9R/M2 intersection.I pulled in close. It became apparent that the CRJ was running up his engines in order to burn fuel; probably to be within his takeoff weight limits. Because we were so close; the thrust from the engines of the CRJ was causing our aircraft to buffet in the jet blast. I discussed this with my FO. I also mentioned my concern that the high thrust setting might create lift over our wings; and extended the spoilers as a preemptive measure. The thrust was strong enough to cause airspeed fluctuations and a continuous; gentle buffeting of our airframe. After 20 minutes; the CRJ was cleared for takeoff; followed by us. We completed the start-up and performed the Before Takeoff Checklist. On the runway; the FO set the power and commanded 'SET TAKEOFF THRUST'. As the thrust levers advanced; the Takeoff Configuration Warning Horn sounded. I disconnected the Autothrottle and pulled both throttles to idle. We had accelerated to less than 20 kts. I asked the FO to inform ATC that we were aborting the takeoff and to request rejoining the line. ATC asked us 'What is the reason for your abortion?' We found that quite humorous; and we told them 'Takeoff Configuration Warning'. I declined any assistance; and rechecked flaps; slats; and exercised the spoiler handle. We ran the Before Takeoff Checklist again; and I repeated the Before Takeoff Flow (Throttle 'burst'; Autothrottle ON; FA (Flight Attendant) 'DING'). After another 12 minute delay for takeoff sequencing; we had an uneventful departure from ATL.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	1676344
Time
Date	201908
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ATL.Airport
State Reference	GA
Environment
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B737-700
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Takeoff
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Captain Pilot Not Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Multiengine
Experience	Flight Crew Type 455
Events
Anomaly	Conflict Ground Conflict Less Severe Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy

B737-700 captain reported that during ground hold; the spoilers were extended and were never reset prior to take off roll; resulting in a rejected takeoff.