Travel expert gives air travel advice amid the recent increase in delayed and canceled flights
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
According to Flight Aware, Southwest Airlines delayed almost 40% of flights in July and canceled three percent while American and United Airlines were both in the 30% range. All of this comes as travel has increased nationwide, Nick Chabarria said AAA shows an eleven percent increase compared to this time in 2019.
Chabarria says the main reason for the delays is lack of staffing and severe weather. This includes thunderstorms in the eastern part of the U.S. and extreme heat and smoke from wildfires in the West.
Out of the seven flights flying out of the Columbia Regional Airport on Wednesday, one United flight was canceled and one was delayed as well as one delayed American flight.
Chabarria said most airlines offer their own apps now to send you updates to your flights whether it is a gate change or time change. With the increase in cancellations, AAA is recommending to call the airline ahead of time to get more insight on your flight status.
On the app, you can see if airlines have already chosen a new flight for you. You can also rebook for yourself on the earliest flight with available seats. If there are flights that leave earlier with no available seats, airlines recommend joining a standby list.
According to United, "If you join a standby list, we won't give up your confirmed seat on your rebooked flight. We'll also waive our normal standby fees so it'll be completely free."
If your flight gets significantly delayed or canceled, you are entitled to a refund per Department of Transportation regulations, but you have to ask for it. Chabarria said the refund will also include any fees such as baggage or seat selection.
American Airlines says compensation is available if your flight arrives at your final destination more than 3 hours after the ETA or if the flight is canceled without prior notice of 14 days and above.
Chabarria said if your flight is canceled when you are trying to get home from a destination, the airlines will cover the hotel fee.
When it comes to getting the next available flight, Chabarria said airlines will work with you to get you on the next flight available.
"Sometimes they'll transfer your credits (the cost of your ticket) to another airline if it can get you home quicker, but that's not always the case and they are not required to do so, but if you are in that situation, it wouldn't hurt to ask," Charbarria said.
When traveling with a checked bag, Chabbarria said flight delays and cancellations can cause your bag to arrive at your destination before or after you do.
"We recommend to pack a change of clothes and maybe some toiletries in their carry-on, that way if you do get separated from your main luggage you're not without things that you need," Chabarria said.
With the increase in demand for air travel, AAA recommends that people book their flights early and also look for direct flight options to cut down on the chances for delays and cancellations.
