Dealing with flight cancellations or delays: a guide

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A series of issues, including air traffic controller staffing shortages, runway maintenance, and outdated technology, have caused flight havoc at Newark Liberty International Airport over the past week. This United Airlines hub has seen massive delays, adding to the slew of problems plaguing U.S. air travel.

United Airlines has decided to trim 35 daily round-trip flights from its schedule to minimize further disruptions, as per recent updates. Travelers are encouraged to check the status of their flights directly with the airlines before heading to the airport.

Whether you're dealing with staffing shortages, mechanical failures, or inclement weather, here's some valuable advice when your flight is delayed or canceled.

Before you set foot at the airport

It's better to learn about flight disruptions from the comfort of your home or hotel rather than during your commute. Pro tips from Scott Keyes, founder of Going.com:

Check the status of your flight, even before you leave the house.
Subscribe to airlines' free text alerts on your ticket purchase. Also, download the carrier's app.
Directly input your airline and flight number in a Google search bar to retrieve flight information.
Visit FlightAware for larger flight trends across the country.
Hop on waiver offers prior to bad weather quickly. Early birds have the best options left.

Already at the airport? Here's what to do:

Sometimes, frustrating delays and cancellations happen after you've arrived at the airport. Keyes advises the following steps:

Head to the airline representatives' desk as quickly as possible. Your position will matter, first-come, first-served!
While you wait, try calling the airline for a faster response.
Use self-service kiosks if available, as recommended by American Airlines and United Airlines.
Leverage social media platforms to reach as many airline representatives as possible, especially when calls aren't getting through.
If calls to U.S. domestic numbers have longer wait times, try calling an international call center instead.

Attitude makes a difference

Adopt a friendly and sympathetic approach when dealing with airline employees to boost your chances of a positive outcome. Keyes suggests:

Honey attracts more flies than vinegar. Be courteous to agents; they hold the key to helping you.
Prepare your own options when speaking with an agent about rebooking.
Book directly with airlines if the price is similar. Otherwise, you'll have to sort things out with third-party booking sites.
Avoid layovers if possible. The more stops, the higher the chances of something going wrong.

Help from fellow airlines

Cooperation between airlines can work in your favor. "When flights are canceled, many airlines have the option of placing you on another carrier's flight thanks to interline agreements," notes Lousson Smith, Going.com product operations specialist. "For instance, if Delta experiences issues but American is running a flight to your destination, you may be able to board that flight."

Frequent Flyer Miles

Although frequent flyer miles are less valuable in exchange for flights, they may prove useful during periods of high demand and bad weather. Julian Kheel, Points Path founder and CEO, suggests:

Airlines often have flights available with miles when demand is high, even during weather events.
Be prepared to spend many miles and not receive the best value. However, this could help save cash if you're trying to escape a storm.
Most U.S. airlines allow you to cancel flights booked with frequent flyer miles without fees or penalties right up until departure. Book multiple alternate flights on various airlines in case one gets delayed or canceled. Don't forget to cancel unused flights to get your miles back.

Stranded overnight?

In some instances, you may find yourself unable to fly out until the next day and away from home. Here's what to do:

Verify the specific requirements in your location. In the U.S., airlines aren't legally obligated to put you up in hotels, while the rules vary in other countries like the UK. In the U.K., you'll likely be entitled to food, drink, and accommodation vouchers. For all details, check the UK Civil Aviation Authority's website.

Help from travel insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance for coverage during uncertain travel situations. Airport Parking Reservations suggests that most travel insurance policies provide additional coverage if your flight is postponed due to strikes, adverse weather, or mechanical issues. They also advise keeping any airport purchases' receipts for reimbursement from airlines later.

New Refund policies in the U.S.

As of October 28, 2024, airlines in the United States are required to give passengers cash refunds when flights are significantly delayed or canceled, even if passengers don't specifically ask for a refund. Visit the Department of Transportation's website for more details.

Stay calm, pack patience, and prepare for hiccups during your journeys. By following these tips and strategies, you can better manage and navigate flight disruptions. Safe travels!

Signing up for the weekly travel newsletter from CNN Travel's On the Go could provide you with vital updates on potential rehabilitation measures for airports like Newark Liberty International Airport, which has been experiencing delays and cancellations due to staffing shortages and other issues.
If your flight is estimated to be delayed or canceled, the advice is to proactively check the status before leaving home, subscribing to airlines' free text alerts, and downloading the carrier's app. In case you're already at the airport, it's recommended to immediately approach airline representatives, use self-service kiosks if available, and leverage social media platforms for faster responses.
While dealing with flight disruptions, maintaining a respectful and cooperative attitude can help improve your chances of a positive outcome. Agents often hold the key to rescheduling or rebooking your flight, making courtesy essential.