How to Prepare for Flight Delays, Cancellations, and Safe Holiday Air Travel

If you’re one of the millions of folks traveling by air this holiday season, you’ll need to be ready to roll with a little (or a lot) of uncertainty. The best advice we can give you is to be prepared.

In this article, we'll share some tips on how to stay safe in crowded airports, the latest vaccination status requirements, and what to bring in your carry-on for worst-case scenarios. No matter where you’re headed for the holidays, we hope this helpful advice keeps the season merry and bright.

‘Tis the Season… to Be Prepared for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Now, more than ever travel plans can be derailed quicker than you can say “Kris Kringle.” Here are steps you can take before heading to the airport.

Check Your Flight Early, Check Your Flight Often
Due to the ongoing Pandemic (and the advent of Omicron), many airlines are still scrambling to adequately staff flights, and air travel restrictions around the globe remain in flux. Check your flight often, especially within the 24 hours before your flight, to ensure that it hasn't been canceled or delayed.

Download the App
If you haven’t already, download your airline’s mobile app, or subscribe to their email or text message alerts for timely status updates. This is a quick and convenient way to stay apprised of your flight status.

Check on the Weather
Use weather apps to track what's happening where you are—and where you're going. 2021’s US winter weather forecast is looking fairly benevolent during the holiday season, so hopefully, airlines won’t experience any massive disruptions to holiday flights.

What To Do if Your Holiday Flight is Canceled

The Department of Transportation (DOT) states that passengers are entitled to a full refund (even on non-refundable tickets) if an airline cancels their flight. This rule applies to some instances of flight delays as well.

While airlines are not required to put you on another flight, they can, and often do when asked—politely. Most airlines will offer to rebook a passenger on a later flight or offer a flight voucher for future travel.

Here’s where preparedness pays off.  Knowing ahead of time which other airlines fly from your location–along with when and to where–might just be the ticket to nabbing an empty seat, and getting home in time for the festivities.

Credit Card Reimbursement
If you booked your flight and other travel arrangements with a credit card, check for clauses in your user agreement that might provide reimbursement for flight delays, cancellations, hotel, and car reservations.

What to Do if Your Holiday Flight is Delayed

While you may have a long wait due to a delayed flight, there are things you can still do. If the scheduling change seriously impacts your other travel arrangements, start by asking the airline if they can book you on another departing flight (with another carrier if need be). They are under no obligation to do this, but it never hurts to ask.

If that doesn’t work, relax, read, or have a nice meal. Today’s modern airports are akin to shopping malls complete with cafes and bars. If you’re traveling with others, ask them to watch your bags (or stow them in a locker) and take a walk for some great people watching and window shopping. Or, simply get your steps in before the holiday eating begins.

Airline Reimbursements for Hotel and Meal Expenses

Airlines are not required to reimburse passengers for anything other than the cost of the ticket. However, if the delay or cancellation was due to a mechanical issue and not weather-related, some airlines will provide vouchers for hotels and meals. If you find yourself stranded in an airport, ask if they will provide vouchers.

The DOT does not define a specific time frame on how long a delay warrants a refund.  It determines whether an airline passenger should receive a refund on a case-by-case basis.

Bring a Change of Clothing in Your Carry-on

If your flight cancellation was due to weather, resulting in a sudden shortage of nearby hotel rooms, you might find yourself roughing it at the airport for longer than expected.

Seasoned travelers know to pack a minimal change of clothes, e.g. a fresh shirt and clean underwear, along with some necessary toiletries, in their carry-on luggage for these unfortunate scenarios.

Keeping Safe from Covid-19 in Crowded Airports

Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or family, the CDC guidelines say the best way to protect yourself from Covid during holiday air travel is to get vaccinated, wear a mask, wash or sanitize your hands frequently—and maintain social distance when possible.

Expect holiday flights to be booked solid. If you don’t absolutely have to be the first onboard, e.g. parents with infants and small children or folks with mobility issues, we recommend practicing patience.

Hang back until the rush of passengers has subsided. The airlines will check your carry-on bag for free if there are no overhead bins left once you're on board.

Another way to keep clear of the crowds while waiting for your flight is to find a nearby boarding area with no upcoming arrivals or departures. These near-vacant seating areas offer ample personal space (and unused electrical outlets) away from fellow travelers.

Be sure you know when the flight begins to board and stay alert for gate changes.

Wear a Mask in the Airport or Plane Even if Fully Vaccinated?

Even if you are fully vaccinated, you have to wear a mask while at the airport and on the plane. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the mask mandate in all mass transportation hubs, including airports and train stations, until March 18, 2022.

Bring These Proof of Vaccination Documents

All domestic and international passengers over the age of 2-years old, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, are required to show valid proof of Covid-19 vaccination document (paper or digital) or proof of negative test results within 24 hours of boarding a flight.

People recovering from Covid-19 need documentation of recovery, e.g. a positive Covid-19 viral test taken within 90 days of boarding and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider, or public health officer, clearing you for travel.

Restrictions on Where U.S. Citizens can Travel

The CDC recommends restricting your travel, domestic or international, until you’re fully vaccinated. Travel restrictions to other countries are fluid, so check every country's vaccination and testing requirements before your trip.

Ready to Travel?

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