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Why are flight interruptions expected?
More than 2.8 million travelers are expected to pass through airport security checkpoints Friday — a single-day record, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
The TSA is preparing for “continued higher passenger numbers” throughout the summer, with June 29 through July 5 being the busiest period.
This is because severe storms and staff shortages have already derailed thousands of flights this week. Storms are predicted in parts of the US heading into the weekend.
A technology problem could also hinder air travel this weekend. Starting Saturday, wireless carriers will be allowed to boost their 5G signal power, and aircraft not retrofitted with certain equipment to avoid interference from such transmissions will not be allowed to land in low visibility conditions, such as bad weather, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
“It’s a whole mix of factors,” says Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet. “Unfortunately we expect a lot of delay.”
What is your story in the event of a delayed or canceled flight?
Travelers affected by a flight disruption can seek redress. But the rules differ per situation and airline.
Federal law does not require airlines to pay passengers compensation for delays, Palmer said.
If airlines cancel a flight for any reason, passengers are legally entitled to a full refund, including ticket price, taxes, baggage fees, additional charges and incidental charges. Travelers should receive that refund within seven business days if they paid by credit card, and within 20 days if they paid by cash or check.
“You don’t have to accept a rebooking, voucher or anything,” said Murray. “They should give you your money back if you want it.”
We unfortunately expect a lot of delay
Kimberly Palmer
personal finance expert at NerdWallet
Of course, that policy doesn’t necessarily help cover other expenses incurred, such as food and lodging, or help travelers who prefer to stay at their destination rather than accept a refund.
Here, airlines have some discretion to dish out money, especially if a delay or cancellation is their fault and not due to something beyond their control, such as bad weather.
“There’s no reason not to ask,” Palmer said.
The US Department of Transportation’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard provides an overview of passenger rights for specific airlines. The list outlines commitments from the 10 largest airlines in the event of “manageable” cancellations and delays.
“These are not suggestions,” Murray said of the pledges. “It’s binding.”
For example, all major airlines will rebook passengers with the same airline at no extra charge for “significant” delays and reimburse meals if there is a delay of three hours or more. Some will rebook with a partner airline at no extra cost.
All major airlines, except Frontier, cover a hotel stay and transportation to the hotel in the event of an overnight cancellation. Six out of 10 will rebook with another airline at no extra cost. Only two airlines offer credits or traveler’s checks if a cancellation causes a wait of at least three hours.
Even if a delay isn’t their fault, many airlines will transfer your ticket to another airline’s flight with available seats at no extra cost — if you request it, according to the US PIRG Education Fund.
Of course, none of these options help travelers who choose another mode of transportation, such as a rental car, in the event of a flight disruption, Palmer said.
“I think this is a very common situation for people” that can come with “a lot of extra costs,” she said.
How to reduce the chance of flight problems
Here are some general travel tips from experts to reduce the chance that a delayed or canceled flight will hit you.
Fly early in the day. This is generally when airlines experience the fewest disruptions; if there is one, passengers will likely have plenty of flight alternatives for the rest of the day, depending on the route and airline. Try to avoid a connecting flight. Taking two flights instead of one doubles the chance of a disruption. If possible, choose an airline with several daily flights to your location. If there is a disruption, there are more chances to get on another flight. Check if your credit card offers a payout for flight delays and cancellations. If so, and you purchased your trip with that card, you may be entitled to certain benefits.What you need to know about your rights
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