For those of us in the travel industry, the recent winter weather has caused havoc on our schedules. For passengers, it has been just as challenging. If you vacation during the winter, there are a few things you can do to lessen the chances you'll get to spend your vacation at the airport.
Stay informed- Start keeping an eye on national weather forecasts a week or so before your scheduled departure. Don't just pay attention to where you are headed, but look at the entire country. A blizzard on the east coast can have a snowball effect that reaches all the way to the west coast. If it looks like you are going to need to change your flights, do so as soon as possible. Once everyone gets the same idea, it will be harder to find empty seats.
Start early- When booking flights, try and leave as early in the morning as possible. Most airlines place a priority on getting the first flights of the day out on time. Once delays begin, they tend to get worse as the day goes on. Not only can weather conditions deteriorate, but you then have to think about your pilots and flight attendants going illegal. The FAA allows crews to fly a certain amount of hours per day. After they reach that point, there is no wiggle room.
Have a back up plan- Know your airline's policies for weather disruptions. Will they accommodate you on another carrier? Will they rebook you on the next available flight they can offer? Will you be on standby or a confirmed passenger? If you are in an area that provides other means of transportation (train, bus, etc.), have all that information handy just in case. When flights start cancelling, everyone looks for options. If you already have the possibilities mapped out, you will be ahead of the game.
Be prepared- If checking your luggage, be sure and have a carryon bag with essentials. It's a good idea to have a change of clothes, toiletries, and medications close by. Think of what you would need/want if you did not have access to your luggage. That's what should be in your carryon. Also, for medication and other important items, double the number you think you'd need.
Pack snacks- Being delayed at the airport can be expensive. Have some snacks in your carryon so you don't have to visit the restaurant multiple times. Nuts, cut up veggies, fruit, sandwiches, crackers, and cheese are small and easy to pack. Not only will having these items save you some cash, but you will probably eat healthier than munching at the airport establishments.
Laugh it off- Keep your cool and sense of humor. This is probably the most important tip for traveling during winter weather. You can't control Mother Nature, and you definitely want to err on the side of caution. Airlines don't like delaying or cancelling flights, but they also want to deliver their passengers safely.
Traveling is fun and always an adventure. By preparing ahead of time, you can make your experience as enjoyable as possible. Now, bundle up and head to the airport!
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