Bad weather can ruin the best of plans.

Any time we encounter bad weather , the problem of accommodating stranded passengers escalates because most of the operating flights are full, if not oversold. Bad weather can limit the options airline agents have at their disposal.

From a customer’s perspective, there are a few things we can do to better prepare for a weather event, especially one which can cause the cancellation or delay of thousands of flights across the country.

Maintain open lines of communication:
Travelers need to make sure their airline has all available contact information included within the passenger name record. Email addresses are acceptable, but cell numbers are the most desired piece of contact data because many times agents need an immediate decision on rescheduling a passenger who has a cancelled flight. So, sending an email is not the preferred method when an immediate decision is required.

Constantly reconfirm your travel plans:
In this day of technology, there is little keeping a passenger from visiting their airline’s website and checking to make sure their flight is still operating as scheduled. Travelers should reconfirm their reservation at least three times a day leading up to their departure date and then every 2-3 hours leading up to their flight time. Many times passengers will see a problem with their reservation before they are contacted by the airline, so you can stay ahead of the crowd if your are in the habit of checking the status of your flight.

Arrive early at the airport:
Some travelers mistakenly look at the bad weather, or the posted delay of two hours of their flight, as an excuse to arrive late at the airport. Regardless of the delay, in bad weather strive to arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours before the scheduled departure time. Even if you know the flight is delayed by 3 hours, arrive early as agents can use that extra time to consider other flights as an option. Arrive late and you will be relegated to getting whatever is left…if anything.

Don’t get picky:
In a weather event, airlines are only required to place you on their next available flight - they will not make a reservation on another airline. So if you are flying American and the flight is cancelled due to weather, you will be stuck with American.

As a result, the agents may offer flights from Cincinnati to New York through their Dallas HUB. Fly to New York via Dallas? Yes, it happens all the time and for a passenger looking for an available seat, uncommon strategies often work best…so consider whatever option you are presented with.

Don’t take your frustrations out on the airline representatives:
In my 30+ years of being associated with the airline industry, I can assure you that yelling at your airline agent is not the way to get you to your destination more quickly. Thank the agent for their help, tell them you are glad it is them who is helping you - instead of some “rookie.” Tell them you are flexible and you will do whatever they need to help and if you can fly ahead of your luggage…tell the agent that as well. Many times decisions are made with the thought of having the passengers fly with their bags and it takes time to locate bags and your option may be departing in 45 minutes.

In the end, traveling in bad weather can depend on a certain degree of luck. However, you can increase your chances of luck by being better prepared!