Minimizing the Stress of Delayed and Cancelled Flights

We have all been hearing about large numbers of delayed or cancelled flights – in the US and internationally.  Blame it on weather, mechanicals, low staffing levels, not enough air traffic controllers and pilots, the need for an updated air traffic system.  Whatever the case, it’s not going to end anytime soon.  

Weather happens every year, all year round, mechanical delays are not unusual and getting staffing back to the right levels is going to take time.  The pilot shortage was forecasted before the pandemic and large numbers taking early retirement has only made it worse. Training pilots and controllers is not a short process and this is one area I for one would not want the FAA or airlines to compromise on. 

Added to that, airlines make schedule changes. New departure or arrival times, new flight numbers, changed or discontinued routes.  Changes are made for a number of reasons, including switching aircraft or eliminating flights.  

Getting caught in the middle of all this is not ideal.  A major understatement, right?   

But there are steps you can take to minimize your stress.

• Book non-stop flights or as direct as possible.  Fewer stops and layovers reduce the chances of missed connections. Its worth the extra price.
• Book the first or earliest flight possible.  This gives you more options during the day if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
• Avoid the last flight of the day. 
• Check the TSA Wait Times site to see how much time you need to get through the security lines.  Flights aren't going to wait for you while you are still in line. Invest in TSA Pre-check, Global Entry or CLEAR.  
• Use airline apps or website Flightaware to know where your aircraft is (i.e at the airport, in flight) and where the flight is coming from. This will give you an idea if your flight is or will be on time.   
• Check the weather where your flight is coming from or going to – it could impact your flight. 
• If your flight has been cancelled or looks like there is a chance of being cancelled, look at secondary airport options that may not be impacted. 
• Minimize issues with connections.  Book all flight segments on one ticket (same airline or within the same alliance).  When segments are all on one ticket, airlines are obligated to put you on the next available flight all the way through to your final destination.  If you have separate tickets, airlines have no obligation to make sure the new flights coincide with any connections you need to make.
• It is not always possible to book segments together on one ticket.  If you are connecting to a flight booked on a separate ticket, give yourself plenty of time between arrival and departure.  When booking on one ticket, airlines automatically calculate their legal connection times.  Each airline has their own standards, depending on the hub it serves.  Domestically (within the US) I have seen times as low as 30 minutes.  You should typically give yourself around 60-90 minutes domestically, and 2+ hours for international connections.  Under 1 hour is doable at certain airports but not always recommended.  If you have mobility issues, add time and order a wheelchair. 
• If you must be at a certain destination at a specific time (ie. catching a cruise, attending a wedding or other special celebration), plan to arrive 1-2 days early.  If you are delayed you have the time built in. AND your stress is greatly reduced.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers some or all costs incurred due to a delay or cancellation.  In many instances airlines are not responsible for any compensation. 
• Work with a travel advisor. 

Be realistic.  Sometimes options are limited. 

​Nobody likes disruption. Most of us don't like sitting around airports. We just want to get there.  Vacations are fun, but flying these days isn't as easy as it once was, especially with full flights and crowded airports.  Delays and cancellations are most often not predictable, but you can prepare well and reduce the stressful parts wherever possible. 

​The world is waiting for you and I make it easy for you to discover it. 
Call 602.540.7338 or GO HERE to get started.