Tips to Avoid Flight Delays and Cancellations for Smooth Summer Travels
Flying any time of the year can be challenging, but summer travel brings its own unique hurdles like full parking lots, packed airports, and even heat-related flight issues. Did you know that airplane engines don’t fare well in extreme heat, potentially leading to flight delays and cancellations?
Neither did I!
Consider the following tips to help you choose the best flight schedules and routes, ensuring a smoother travel experience.
The Heat Factor
When we think of weather affecting flights, rain or snow usually come to mind, but excessive heat can also be a major disruptor. Many areas are experiencing record-setting heat waves this year, and flights might be delayed or canceled simply because it’s too warm for the planes to operate safely.
I could delve into the long science explanation, but let’s keep it simple and focus on what you can do to minimize the chances of disruptions.
How Airlines Handle Heat-Induced Issues
Reducing takeoff weight: This can mean bumping passengers and/or baggage.
Delaying flights: Waiting for temperatures to drop.
Scheduling fuel stops: This can lead to missed connections and further delays.
What Can You Do to Avoid These Issues?
Avoid Certain Airports: Try to steer clear of heat-prone airports like Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix during the summer months.
Opt for Nonstop Flights: If you can, pay a little extra for a nonstop flight to avoid potential issues with connections.
Plan Longer Layovers: If a connection is unavoidable, aim for at least a two-hour layover for domestic flights and three hours for international flights to accommodate potential delays.
Fly on the Right Days and Times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally less busy. Early morning flights are less likely to face delays or cancellations, and they help you avoid afternoon and evening summer thunderstorms.
Choose Reliable Airlines: According to the DOT, Delta currently ranks highest for on-time performance, followed by Hawaiian, United, Southwest, and others. JetBlue is currently ranked last.
What if You Can't Avoid the Heat?
Sometimes, your options are limited. This is where travel insurance becomes invaluable. A good travel insurance policy doesn’t just cover trip cancellations; it also helps with flight delays, cancellations, and luggage issues. Travel insurance has personally saved me over $5k due to flight issues alone.
Planning your summer travels wisely can make a huge difference in avoiding disruptions. Remember, as your travel advisor, I’m here to help you navigate these challenges and ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
Ready to book your next vacation? Reach out to me, and let’s make your travel dreams come true, hassle-free!
Happy travels!
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