Dealing with Flight Delays

There’s simply no denying it — flying can be stressful. Whether you’re headed to the airport for business or pleasure, there’s always room for mishaps and misadventures along the way. An extremely high number of flight delays, canceled flights, unforeseen lodging expenses, etc…. any and all of these unexpected hiccups can equal a harried, exhausting and expensive travel experience. And with 27 million air travelers expected over Thanksgiving, you can be sure that at least a few flights will be running late.

Here’s some great advice to help you avoid flight delays all together…

1. Fly as early as possible in the morning. The later you fly, the more chance the flight before yours will be delayed, causing yours to be delayed, and so on…

2. Try not to book the last flight of the day. If it’s canceled, you’re spending the night (and often without compensation).

3. Always book nonstop flights — connecting flights are a traveler’s worst enemy. If you must make a connection, consider the size and location of the airport, and the time between flights. Make sure you have enough time to make your connection if your first one is delayed. Is the weather iffy at that airport (ie: Chicago in the winter)?

4. Avoid peak travel times — Monday morning, Friday afternoon, Sunday afternoon, rush hour, etc. Travel in the middle of the week or on Saturday if at all possible.

5. Research airlines and choose one with good on-time performance. The Aviation Consumer Protection Division of the DOT has monthly summaries of on-time performance information. You can also check FlightStats.com to use the real-time flight tracker and to compare individual flights for on-time performance.

6. Fly into and out of regional airports instead of major hubs to avoid traffic.

7. Check the National Air Traffic Controllers Association Web site for airport-specific tips including heaviest directional traffic.

If your flight is delayed, or worse, canceled, what happens next is a matter of preparation on your part. In other words, be prepared for the worst, especially when traveling during peak times or over the holidays…

1. Be patient, cool and accommodating. You catch more flies with sugar, right? Same goes for help while traveling.

2. Know your alternatives. Make a list of other airlines that could get you where you need to go and have their 800 numbers in your cell phone.

3. Get in line to make a change or buy a new ticket, but also get the airline on the phone. Flights could be sold out by the time you reach the front of that long line. You can also use do-it-yourself kiosks to rebook and get on stand-by lists.

4. If flights are canceled, and you need to be somewhere, consider taking a train or renting a car. In some cases, these alternatives not only get you to your destination, but save you the stress of sitting in the airport all night, waiting around with all the other miserable passengers.

5. Be prepared to wait in the airport and make sure you bring games, puzzles, entertainment for the kids, travel pillows, and your laptop and cell phone.

Travel can be difficult at times, especially over the holiday season, but once you’re relaxing on the beach in Mexico, gathered around the table with family, or watching your nephew unwrap his presents, it all becomes worth it.