- The National Weather Service has warned of a severe winter storm that is expected to affect holiday travel.
- Two-thirds of flights are likely to be affected Thursday and Friday, according to AccuWeather.
- The Department for Transport has outlined what customers are entitled to during flight disruptions.
A winter storm is expected to wreak havoc in parts of the Midwest and Northeast this weekend, potentially affecting millions of travelers as the Christmas holiday season kicks off with a bang.
The National Weather Service has predicted Strong winds, freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall will move across several U.S. states from Wednesday through Christmas Eve Saturday.
The agency said the storm would be dangerous in some cities – with near-blizzard conditions. He warned people it might be safer to change or cancel travel plans and stay home.
Nevertheless, nearly 30 million people are expected to leave US airports during the Christmas week of December 18 to December 26, an increase of 4% compared to 2019, according to the Hopper travel site. And, the busiest days should be Thursday and Friday – when AccuWeather Meteorologists say 66% of US flights are likely to be affected by weather.
Major airports like Denver, New York, Indianapolis and Detroit could face significant delays, creating a snowball effect across the country as aircraft and flight crews move. Many airlines are already preparing for the expected chaos, with carriers like this American airlines, Delta Airlinesand South West Airlines offering travel waivers for select airports across the country.
And, with the continuing problems plaguing the industry, such as lack of staff which has contributed to thousands of flight cancellations over the summer, the winter storm isn’t the only factor at play.
With all the uncertainty ahead this holiday weekend, here are the best tips for what to do if your flight is canceled or delayed.
1. Know your rights as an air passenger in the United States
James D. Morgan/Getty Images
According to the Ministry of Transportno law requires US airlines to compensate passengers for weather-related disruptions – which will likely be the most common case this weekend.
The only rule that carriers must follow is to reimburse customers for cancellations, even for uncontrollable events. And that doesn’t mean travel credits or vouchers — it has to be cash.
When you receive that dreaded notification of a delay or cancellation, ask a customer service agent for the reason, in writing if possible, so you know what you’re entitled to in terms of a refund. Many carriers have their own internal policies regarding what passengers can get if the reason is within their control, such as staffing or maintenance.
This information is collected in the DoT Airline Customer Service Dashboardwhich rolled out in September and outlines what each carrier will offer for controllable disruptions, such as rebooking on another carrier or getting a free meal.
The guide represents the 10 largest airlines in the United States and their regional subsidiaries, which account for approximately 96% of scheduled domestic flights.
2. Watch your airline’s app for rebooking options
United mobile app.
United Airlines
When a flight delay or cancellation is announced, expect people to flock to the nearest customer service agent for help and the phone lines will be congested.
Wait times can be painfully long, and the best alternatives will likely go quickly. However, some airlines offer rebooking on their website or mobile app and waive all fees, so sometimes it’s easier to make changes online than in person.
However, if all available options are gone, have a plan B, such as waiting to speak to a live agent, contacting the airline via social media, or checking into a hotel for the night. Direct messaging on Facebook or Twitter can actually act as a virtual placeholder, and you can be heard over chat before speaking to a live agent.
Here are the phone numbers for each airline:
- Alaska: 1-800-252-7522
- Allegiant: 1-702-505-8888
- American: 1-800-433-7300
- Bike: 1-346-616-9500
- Breeze: No phone number to call, but you can text the airline at 501-273-3931. You can also contact Broken by email or FacebookMessenger.
- Delta: 1-800-221-1212
- Border: No phone number. The best way to contact Frontier is by chat or email.
- JetBlue: 1-800-538-2583
- Southwest: 1-800-435-9792
- Spirit: 1-855-728-3555
- Land of the Sun: 1-651-905-2737
- USA: 1-800-864-8331
3. Ask for a hotel or meal ticket
Vendors in Delta’s Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport.
Taylor Rains / Insider
For delays or cancellations that require a customer to wait at least three hours for a new flight, or requiring an overnight stay, Several airlines will offer meal or hotel vouchers.
Carriers offering both are Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines, according to the DoT dashboard. Frontier Airlines is the only carrier that does not provide accommodations in the event of an overnight delay or cancellation.
For US airlines not listed on the dashboard, or where compensation is unclear, just ask. It never hurts to request a meal or hotel during flight disruptions, and you might get lucky with a goodwill gesture from the carrier.
4. Check if your credit card company offers travel insurance
Chase Sapphire Reserve passport and credit card
Evgenia Parajanian/Shutterstock.com
Several major banks offer credit cards that come with travel insurance, such as Chase Sapphire Reserve or Platinum Card from American Express. Both offer travel protection, meaning customers who purchased their flight with that specific card can take advantage of it.
For example, in the event of a winter storm, it is likely that many passengers will find themselves stranded in random cities across the United States. However, banks with travel insurance included can reimburse cardholders for unforeseen expenses beyond their control, including hotels, meals, and transportation.
Travel insurance doesn’t apply in all circumstances, such as short delays, so be sure to check your policy before making a claim – but it also doesn’t hurt to make the claim anyway, even if the answer is no.
5. Know when to leave
Man hailing a taxi outside an airport.
FG Commerce/Getty Images
During the holidays, it’s easy to get a narrow view of the mission, like seeing friends and family, or just getting away from home for a few days. However, delays and cancellations are inevitable, especially this weekend.
But don’t spend all day waiting, give yourself a deadline. Once this time has passed, consider other means of getting to your destination, such as car or train (which may also be covered by travel insurance), although these options may not be feasible during a winter storm.
If you’re stuck in another city and there’s no choice but to get a hotel or sit at the airport, decide how you want to pass the time and make a plan.
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