Winter travel is low, and the reason is not just the cold weather but delays, too. There can be no denying the fact that winter flight delays can indeed prove to be quite cumbersome, especially when you are going back home for your festivities, you have an appointment scheduled, or whatever it is. It can throw your schedule out of gear and completely mess with your travel plan. The worst part, however, is that winter, with its snowstorms, ice, high winds, and freezing temperatures, cannot be avoided, and therefore, winter flight delays are a reality of the season we must be prepared for.
Before we move on to how to prep ourselves for flight delays, let's have a look at the cities that experience the worst winters in terms of travel. Given below is a list of three prominent US cities that you might tick off your list or be extra prepared for before you travel.
New York City
Snow and ice events wreak havoc on flight operations in the city. Snowstorms are the biggest culprits and can lead to huge flight delays and cancellations. It is often reported to be one of the top cities afflicted with winter-weather delays. New York boasts some of the major airports in the region, like LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, which handle a large amount of traffic. Weather disruption here can prove to be a great difficulty for a large number of people.
Boston
Boston is the other important city that falls in this list. Nor’easters and coastal storms often cause huge delays across the Northeast, causing inconvenience to a large number of passengers. The airport faces huge crowds, and this can also interrupt the entire flight network when it comes to connecting flights.
Detroit
Detroit is the third city on the list, and it is not difficult to understand why it suffers from winter flight delays. Lake-effect snow and Midwest storm tracks lead to major disruptions. It would also be worth recounting here that the city receives an average of 9 inches of snow every December. Blocked runways mean flights are delayed or cancelled.
Many people around the world struggle with the difficulties that come with winter weather. When a flight gets canceled, travelers often have no choice but to put their plans on hold. However, if your flight is delayed instead, there may still be hope for you to travel. Let’s find out how.
Managing Winter Flight Delays: Tips and Hacks
Book Smart
A little planning can keep you in good standing while dealing with winter flight delays. The first step in this regard starts as early as the booking of the tickets. As far as possible, always go for flights earlier in the day. There is a reason why we are saying this. It has been seen that there is less likelihood of morning flights getting affected by weather afflictions because the weather condition worsens as the day wears on.
Go For Non-Stop Flights
Nonstop or direct flights can also prove to be a smart move to deal with winter flight delays, as these fly directly to your destination without stopping. Connecting flights, on the other hand, have more chances of delays or cancellations because of the weather ailments. If you have to reach a place on a particular day, then it is always a good idea to reach your destination a day earlier. This will ensure that you are not affected by the weather conditions and have time at your disposal to meet any eventuality that arises.
Pack Smartly
Packing is another important point that needs careful attention. It is important to keep in mind that winter delays can leave the passengers high and dry at the airport for hours on end. It is therefore important to pack essential items like medicines, a charger, etc., that can prove to be helpful in stressful conditions. Books, downloaded movies, etc., on the other hand, can actually help you deal with the long delays without much frustration. So, be careful with what you are packing.
Remain Alert to the Weather Situation
Remaining alive to the weather situation at both the arrival and departure cities, as well as those of connecting airports, if you are traveling by connecting flights, is also very important. Airline apps and text alerts are often quicker on real-time updates, be it about flight delays, cancellations, or gate changes, than the announcements at the airport. So, check the alerts and messages without fail. Keeping a tab on the flight status the night before the travel will keep you aware of any changes, allowing you time to come up with alternatives.
Reach The Airport Early
Reach the airport a little early on the day of your departure. Winter weather can throw the traffic out of gear and alter the parking and security arrangements. By leaving early, you give yourself some precious time to stay clear of any eventuality that can delay your reaching the airport. Then again, once you have stepped inside the terminal, be alert to the flight information/displays and try to be nearest to your gate. This will keep you in a good position to immediately learn about last-minute updates. Be quick in case of any delay, and inquire of the airline staff about alternative flights or standby options. This will significantly brighten your chances of reaching your destination sooner.
The winter flight delays cannot be avoided, and smart preparation can make all the difference. Book your tickets smartly, pack with a plan, remain alert to the weather conditions, and approach the situation with calmness and patience. You will deal with winter travel disruptions calmly and without much stress.
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