Recently CNN invited me out to the airport to talk about how travelers can best deal with delays and cancellations- here’s the nut of my seven tips- watch the video [below] for the full story.
1) Book the first flight of the day. The first flight usually spent the night at the airport, and does not need to fly in from somewhere else. Early flights are usually cheaper and less crowded, too. Plus they are less likely to be hampered by afternoon thunderstorms.
2) Learn to live out of a carry on bag. I know this is easier said than done, but doing so can make or break a trip. TIP: Wear (and pack) all black! Thinking about shipping luggage ahead of time? Read this first!
3) Be sure airline has your updated contact info. When was the last time you updated your personal profile info? How will the airline reach you?
(TravelSkills is on vacation, so please enjoy this reprise of one of our most popular posts)
4) Be sure you have the latest version of the app of your airline downloaded to your phone. Also, use apps like Tripit, FlightStats, FlightAware, LoungeBuddy and HotelTonight if stranded. Note that most airlines no longer pay for hotel stays due to weather-related cancellations.
5) Buy day or one-time pass to an airline airport club. Best $50-$60 you can spend. However, ask to take a peek into the club before you fork over the fee- many times clubs are more crowded than terminals! Use the LoungeBuddy app to locate your options.
6) Don’t stand in line if your flight is canceled! Get online or on the phone instead.
7) Know when to ask for a FULL REFUND! Did you know that airlines must refund your money if they cancel your flight for any reason? This only applies to cancellations or extreme delays.
Please take a watch for my tips and advice! How do YOU handle (or avoid) delays? Please leave your comments below!
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John Ham says
August 13, 2017 at 6:48 pmI’m a current flight attendant. We all live out of carry ons for personal travel. If we can do it, YOU CAN DO IT
David Lillian says
August 10, 2017 at 5:04 amWatch out for scheduling afternoon connections through ORD/EWR/YYZ in July and August. I’ve had a series of trips ruined by weather-related delays.
Frank Power says
August 9, 2017 at 5:08 amBook to avoid weather…don’t schedule a connection through ATL/CLT/DFW/any place in Florida in late afternoon during late spring and early summer. Likewise avoid ORD in Jan/Feb (DTW and MSP seem to have less snow related issues). I will say from personal experience that T-storm related delays in CLT and ATL are fully recoverable. Both Delta and American seem to recover pretty well to the afternoon T-storms in ATL/CLT (not so much in the northeast). Also, Never schedule a domestic to domestic connection through EWR/JFK/LGA after noon and PHL can also be a crapshoot.
When flying from the corridor (BOS/NYC/PHL/DC) later in the day, update your airlines app so that you can get an update before you leave for the airport and I honestly suggest spending some time about 4-5 hours before your departure to track the inbound aircaft; set up trackers if you can on the inbound flight. Many an airline will keep posting your flight as “on time” but that’s likely impossible if your inbound aircraft is running more than 30 minutes late–but we warned if you are flying from a true hub for that airline, the airline will switch aircraft around.
BlueLion says
August 8, 2017 at 5:04 pm#1 – should be revisited. If you’re leaving on the first flight of the day to most destinations from a hub like PHX, SLC, DEN, the early morning flights are planes coming from other airports. For example, American #1110 leaves ORD at 5am and arrives in PHX at 6:30am, then it leaves for another city, but it’s the first flight of the day..or American 579 leaves Oakland just before 6am flies to PHX then serves as the first flight to TPA.
jeff says
August 8, 2017 at 5:02 pmRule 8. Fly into and out of ATL by 2:00 between April 1 and October 1
Exception on rule 1 with commuters. A lot of times the first flight out on a commuter are delayed due to rest requirements for the crew as commuters are notoriously late.
Albert Ellis says
August 8, 2017 at 4:51 pmIn addition… Bring along lots of patience. NEVER, EVER yell at the agents, Be aware of the weather.
Years ago I got stuck in Dallas and missed a connecting flight to London. It was a mileage award ticket. The airline put me up for the night, provided meal vouchers, and sent me to Atlanta where I could do something productive instead of killing the whole day in Cincinnati. It helped a lot that I was exceedingly nice to the agent in Cincinnati.
Lee Huffman says
August 8, 2017 at 7:23 amWe all eventually get hit by a delay or cancellation. I was stuck in Atlanta on the way home from Grand Cayman in April and it sucked. Having lounge access through my Amex Platinum helped make the situation a little better.