11 Ways to Handle Vacation Weather Delays

As I shifted in my hard airport lounge seat for what seemed like the 200th time during a six hour flight delay due to weather, I strongly considered just jumping in the car and making an 8 hour drive to my destination. It turns out the drive may have been a better option for me (our flight was eventually cancelled and we were moved to a different airline), but a bit of pre-planning and caution could have saved me a serious headache and some serious boredom at the airport.

Recently the Travel Leaders Group released a list of things the average traveler can do before and during weather-related flight delays to help get to their destination quickly, safely, and economically.

Here are 11 inclement weather advisory travel tips from Travel Leaders Group:

• Skip the first and last flights. If you’re traveling during seasons with a high likelihood of inclement weather, you may want to avoid the first or last flight of the day since these flights have a higher frequency of being canceled, depending on the start and end time of the storm.
• Take advantage of travel waivers. Often airlines will issue travel waivers that allow you to rebook your ticket away from the affected dates at no additional charge. You should take advantages of these when they post. Your travel agent monitors these, but you can as well by checking your airline’s website. For the largest airlines, check here: Delta Airlines; United Air Lines; American Airlines; British Airways; Virgin America Policies.
• Get travel advisories or weather alerts delivered to your phone. There are several apps that allow you to receive email or text message notifications from your airline about your flight’s status. A weather.com app can keep you updated about conditions.
• Reroute a connecting flight. There are times the weather in your departure city and at your destination is clear, but weather in your connecting city is less than desirable. If that happens, a travel agent can help you reroute your connection flight through an airport with no delays.
• Avoid booking flights at the ticket counter. If you must buy a new ticket, avoid doing so at the airport ticket counter, or else you will likely pay a higher rate. Either call your travel agent, or re-book online to avoid higher costs at the counter.
• Consider larger airports and travel light. If you suspect there may be severe weather threats during your time of travel, consider flying from a larger airport. Larger international airports will have a greater chance of more alternate flights, and they are also better equipped to clear runways faster or with de-icing of a plane. If you travel with only a carry-on, you’ll be in a better position to change flights quickly in the event of a cancellation.
• Book a room early if you’re facing an overnight delay. If it seems weather conditions will keep you from getting to your final destination that same day, it is important to make a room reservation for an overnight stay as soon as possible.
• Sign up for travel insurance. For instances where you may miss a flight because you were stuck in traffic or your ship sailed without you when your flight was canceled or delayed, travel insurance can be your saving grace to recoup all or part of your travel investment.
• Stay on the main roads. If you’re driving between destinations, stick to major highways or well-traveled roads to facilitate other people coming to your rescue easily should you need assistance. Travel also during daylight hours or when car repair shops or convenience stores are more likely to be open. If you’re stranded in your vehicle for an extended period, run your engine for only a few minutes once or twice an hour to stay warm and conserve gas. While the car is running, be sure to slightly roll down a window to keep carbon monoxide from building up inside.
• Pack an emergency travel kit. Whether you’re driving, flying or traveling by rail, prepare for possible delays with a few essentials. Pack a small bag with an extra sweater, gloves or small throw, as well as water and high-energy or high-protein foods such as granola bars or beef jerky. You may also want to pack a toothbrush and toothpaste, a change of underwear and any needed prescription medications. Remember also a flashlight, extra batteries, or phone charger, a first aid kit and a good book.
• Book with a travel agent. Travel agents are trained to monitor situations like winter weather that may impact their clients’ travel plans. As result, they can work on alternative travel plans and can likely have those in place with the airline, hotel or car and driver the moment the need arises.

Information and copy courtesy of Travel Leaders Group