US Travel Tips: Airline Delays and Cancellations

US Travel Tips: Airline Delays and Cancellations.

Delays and Cancellations are certain to be a problem this summer travel season, especially if you are flying to or through one of the 31 busiest US Airports. FAA on-time statistics for March 2006 show an increase in delays from March of 2005. April 2006 over 2005 also shows a rise in the number of delays. At the same time, less aircraft are flying as carriers have downsized to smaller fleets as a result of high petrol prices.

With two major players, Delta Air Lines and Northwest, in bankruptcy protection, and others trying to stay afloat, staff is being cut in favour of automation. As an example, check-in has been automated between on-line check-in and kiosks, a task which agents at the airport used to do. Being able to check-in on-line, select your own seat and avoid the queues at check-in is great for the consumers who take advantage of it.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to the reduced staffing at the airports. When things go wrong such as a cancellation or a delay which results in a missed connection, not only will less seats be available for re-booking, but less staff will be on-hand to assist passengers re-book onto new flights. In addition to getting re-booked, there will be less staff to assist with other services such as hotel accommodations and food vouchers if the cancellation or missed connection is the result of a mechanical problem.

Tips for Summer Travel

Travel early in the day: Most disruptions occur during the afternoon and evening. The heating of the day causes summer thunderstorms in the afternoon and when delays develop, the effect snowballs and disrupts later flights later in the day.

Avoid congested hub airports: If possible avoid the hub airports which most face the most problems with congestion and air traffic. This past March, just over 34% of the flights into Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) were delayed 15 or more minutes. Of the flights delayed by Air Traffic Flow Control, weather was the factor almost 95% of the time. Newark International Airport (EWR) also encountered just over 34% late arrivals in March.

Know alternative options: Knowing what options are available to you if a disruption occurs can be helpful; what other cities are there connecting flights through? Are there flights to your destination via a codeshare with another carrier? If you’re flying to a city such as Los Angeles which has more than one airport, will you accept a flight into another area airport such as Orange County or Burbank?

Find out why your flight is delayed or cancelled: If it is within the control of your airline, specifically a mechanical problem, request they endorse your ticket over to another airline if the carrier you are flying doesn’t have reasonable alternatives. The major legacy carriers such as American Airlines, Continental, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, and US Airways have agreements in place to do this. Low cost carriers such as Southwest do not.

The Air Traffic Control System Command Center

Located in Herndon, Virginia, this agency monitors delays and assists with the flow of Air Traffic in the United States. You can visit their website, The Air Traffic Control System Command Center, for up to the minute information on specific airport conditions. If you have internet access while travelling, this can be a valuable tool for information on the general conditions at airports you will be using, but always contact the carrier you are flying for information on flight status.