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Avoiding, coping with summer flight delays
As air traffic increases during the busy summer travel season, so does stormy weather, and the combination can make for extra-long delays at the airports.
When an airport is experiencing delays of at least 90 minutes, for example, the FAA will ask other airports to reduce traffic until flights at the congested airport can get back on schedule.
It also emphasizes the use of "express lanes" to speed the flow of flights to and from particularly congested airports.
But sometimes there's a limit to what the FAA, the airlines and the pilots can do.
"The big unknown is still the weather," FAA spokesman William Shumann said.
Here, then, are a few tips to help passengers steer clear of, or at least cope with, the summer waiting game:
Booking your flight
- It's best to book flights departing earlier in the day -- particularly if you're heading for the East or Gulf coasts -- when they're less vulnerable to delays. You'll also have more rerouting options if your flight is canceled.
- Think later for flights to the West Coast -- including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and smaller regional airports -- where dense fog early in the day can cause big delays.
- Try to avoid the last flight of the day, because if it's canceled, you may be stuck overnight.
- Go non-stop whenever possible, especially during severe weather season, so you won't have to worry about missing a connection.
- Check the on-time performance for specific flights.
Day of travel
- Make sure your OrbitzTLC Alerts are set to reach you on your mobile phone. And sign up others, including family members or the person who will be picking you up at the airport, so they can be kept up to date. Finally, check the Flying Forecast.
- Having your mobile phone will also allow you to contact your hotel, car rental company and others about changes in flight plans.
- If you have medication, take some of it with you in your carry-on bag -- rather than your checked luggage -- so you won't be stuck without it.
- Take extra food, too, in case you're stuck on a plane or in a terminal a good bit longer than expected.
- Bring along plenty of reading material, work, games and music to help pass the time.
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