What Can You Do About Flight Delays

Travelers are faced with another day of furlough-related flight delays. The FAA attributed 1,200 of Monday's delays to staffing reductions from the furlough of air-traffic controllers imposed by the FAA to meet automatic federal spending cuts. Another 1,400 delays were caused by weather and other factors. 

On Monday, there were 400 cancelled flights and 6,997 delays. That was up from 207 cancellations and 4,842 delays on Sunday.

According to FlightStats, which tracks delays and cancellations, there are 50 cancellations and 124 delays so far today. The most affected airports are New York's LaGuardia, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Denver, New York's JFK, Miami, Charlotte, and Chicago's Midway.

Hardest hit so far have been the New York-area airports, which operate in the most crowded airspace in the country. This morning, traffic to LaGuardia was being delayed because of congestion, according to the FAA's weather-delay map. Flights destined to LaGuardia were not allowed to leave until after 8:30 a.m.

The skies were mostly clear this morning, but problems could arise as flight schedules peak later in the day.

So with all these delays, what can you do if you have travel plans? The answer is not much but there are things you should do.

Above all, keep your cool.  It is understandable to be upset. However, the calmer you remain, the more likely you are to get calm service. The agent has been dealing with hundreds of upset passenger and getting angry with them only makes a bad situation even worse.

Call the airline well ahead of your departure time to check on your flight’s status. If there is a problem, try to rebook over the telephone. While airlines often try to call to notify you of schedule changes, it may not be possible to do so if the airline becomes aware of the delay only shortly  before the flight. It is wise to check. Also, make sure your airline’s record of your reservation contains a telephone number where you can be reached, or you will lose any opportunity of being called about a delay or flight change.

When booking your flight, remember that a departure early in the day is less likely to be delayed than a later flight, due in part to the “ripple” effects of delays throughout the day. Also, if an early flight does get delayed or canceled, you may have more rerouting options. If you book the last flight of the day and it is canceled, you could get stuck overnight. Your travel agent can give you the best advice for the area you are traveling to.

In general, you are least likely to be delayed on nonstop flights. A connection (change of planes) always involves the possibility of a missed connection. On a direct flight (intermediate stop, no change of planes), the second leg could be delayed or canceled. If you choose a flight with a stop or connection, try to select one stopping at the least-congested enroute airport in order to reduce the risk of delay or missed connection. 

Contrary to the belief of some, airlines are not required to compensate passengers for “damages” when flights are delayed or canceled. Compensation is required by law only when you are “bumped” from a flight that is oversold. Airlines almost always refuse to pay passengers for financial losses resulting from a delayed flight. If the purpose of your trip is to close a potentially lucrative business deal, to give a speech or lecture, to attend a family function, or to be present at any time-sensitive event, you might want to allow a little extra time and take an earlier flight. In other words, airline delays and cancellations are not unusual, and defensive planning is a good idea when time is your most important consideration.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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(602) 843-5100
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