Between bad weather, air traffic control congestion, staffing and maintenance issues, flight delays are an inevitable scourge of the travel industry.
Some delays will inevitably turn into cancellations, which can really affect your travel plans.
Moreover, during the pandemic, we have seen a series of aviation crisesleading to thousands of flights being canceled and delayed in a very short time.
Avoid flight delays and unusual activities maybe not always possible. However, you can certainly do a few things to maximize your chances of reaching your destination (with your luggage).
Whether it’s booking your first flight of the day or buying a flight from an airline hub, here’s what you need to know to avoid flight delays, cancellations, and airline crashes.
Direct Flight
When things go awry, getting to the destination gets even more complicated as you add connections. Even if your first flight works as scheduled, it’s impossible to predict what will happen with the next flight.
Therefore, if possible, book direct flights to maximize your chances of getting where you want to go.
If you start at your starting point, you can always go home to cut your losses. When you’re on the road, finding an alternative flight or a place to stay in some city other than your destination can be a challenge.
Catch the first flight of the day
The First flight of the day usually best for a variety of reasons, including being less likely to get delayed.
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Usually, your plane will be waiting for you at the airport because most domestic planes don’t fly at night. In addition, if there are technical problems, engineers can solve them overnight without disrupting your plans.
If the first flight of the morning is delayed, it will only get worse for the day because that plane operates more flights during the day.
Fly from the centers
Most major US airlines operate centers in key cities in the country. These airports handle hundreds of flights daily for each of the major carriers, and they are also often home to crews.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, there’s a good chance you can find a backup flight if you’re traveling to or from a hub with multiple daily services.
Also, if your flight has crew issues or maintenance issues, it’s often easier to deal with those issues at a hub than at a stopover.
Don’t check the bag
This may not be possible, but if you can, avoid checking bags. As flight delays and cancellations begin to pile up, airlines’ baggage handling systems become strained, resulting in long (if not longer) waits for baggage. check in after canceled flights.
Additionally, your rebooking options may be more limited if you checked baggage on your flight.
Even if you do eventually get where you need to be, your checked baggage can take days — if not weeks — to show up.
If you have to check baggage, we recommend set Apple AirTag in your luggage and keep all your valuables in your hand luggage.
Know your rights
When your flight is significantly delayed or canceled, you full refund (not credit), whatever the reason. It is thanks to the policy of the Ministry of Transport, which Request a refund for unusual activities encountered on flights to, from, or within the United States
Since you can get a full refund when your flight is cancelled, you can quickly rebook on another airline that is operating on time.
Prepare a backup plan
Many major US airlines have online ticketing agreement with other airlines, which means you may be rebooked on a different airline if your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled.
When you’re about to travel, arrive at the airport with a backup plan in case your flight gets cancelled. Approach the customer service counter with your backup options and ask the agent to rebook you on a different airline – this won’t cost you any more, assuming that airline have an inter-line agreement with the operating carrier.
Check your credit card benefits
Some TPG top recommended travel credit cards Includes trip interruption insurance and cancellation insurance.
Be sure to factor all airfare costs into these cards and read your benefits before travelling. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, notify your credit card company and take advantage of your benefits.
Save and send your receipt
As we have seen in the latest series of crises, many US airlines are willing to refund alternative meals, hotels and transportation when you are affected by flight cancellations or flight delays. significantly for reasons within the airline’s control.
Be sure to collect your receipts during your travel journey and send them to customer care after your trip to review for a refund.
bottom line
While flight delays and cancellations cannot be avoided, there are things you can do to prevent them from happening.
From booking your first flight of the day to flying non-stop, you can certainly minimize your exposure to unusual activity.
However, when things go awry, be sure to check out TPG’s guide to What happens if your flight is delayed or canceled?.
