Beach with an Event Canceled image over it
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Smart Tips to Handle Air Travel Disruptions and Cancellations

ByJay M

I have read a lot on this topic in the last few days. There are some good tips, some over-the-top advice, and some downright misleading information. That said, let me take a crack at it:

Have a Back-Up Plan at the Ready

I don’t usually start with the most important point, but just in case you only planned on reading one article, I felt the need to start with it this time. If you are to get that email or text that your plans have changed or been canceled, the quicker you react the better, and having a plan at the ready could be the difference.

For this example, let’s say you are visiting a friend in Tucson, AZ, and you live in Chicago. You currently have a direct flight on United from O’Hare. Your friend is picking you up at the airport. It was an easy trip to plan. Now it just got messy with a “we are deeply sorry but your flight has been canceled” email. Here is an example of your plan B, C, D:

Plan B: Ask the airline to fly you into Phoenix. This is a much larger airport, and if they canceled nearby Tucson, one would think Phoenix is holding strong.

Plan B-2: Rent a car one-way from Phoenix if your friend can’t make the drive. You are looking at about an hour and a half drive. TIP: Look at rental car options first to see the cost and availability before asking for the flight change.

Plan B-3: Look at the option of a train after you land at a different airport. For example, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited from LA to New Orleans passes through Tucson. A train from any city along the route may be an option. In this case, LA or El Paso could work depending on the timing and how much time you are spending there.

Plan C: Fly out of an alternative airport. You are booked to leave from O’Hare. Ask to change to Midway or even Milwaukee (then B-2 and B-3 may still apply).

Plan D: Leave a different day if that is an option.

Key Research Tips When Getting Your Plan in Order

  • Alternative airports to fly into
  • Alternative airports to fly out of
  • “How do I get” from X to Y after I land at the alternative
  • What trains run through my destination
  • What bus service runs through my destination

Adjust Your Plans Slightly If You Can

If you are planning a trip somewhere and it is crucial that you arrive when planned, get ahead of it and try to fly in a day early or even earlier that day. When plans go bad in travel, the best thing you can have on your side, ahead of even money, is time.

Book or Change to a Hub If You Can

If you fly out of a regional airport right now and have a layover at a nearby hub, try rebooking out of there and take the drive. For example, if you live in greater Madison, WI, think of rebooking out of Chicago. Live in southern Maine, look at Boston. In an NPR interview with Nick Ewen, senior editorial director of The Points Guy travel website, Ewen is quoted saying “the likelihood of a flight getting canceled comes down to factors such as the size of the plane, how full it is and what route it is flying.” If your small plane from Madison is half full, you may be more likely to be canceled. But that flight out of Chicago on a large Airbus A321 to Phoenix has a stronger chance of taking off just fine.

Forget Flying

If you have the time, look at Amtrak. There are no current cuts to Amtrak at the moment, and you may have some fun. Now this doesn’t work in my first example of Chicago to Tucson, but it does if you are visiting a friend in New York City for the weekend from Boston. Live in Florida? See what Brightline has to offer. Look at bus options. Greyhound is an option, but a quick Google search for “buses from X to Y” may uncover something new.

Don’t Just Assume You Are Canceled

As of writing this, approximately 7% of flights are canceled and that could rise to 10% soon. That is a lot. But that still holds a 90-93% chance nothing will affect your trip. Follow the advice above and enjoy your trip!

FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if my flight gets canceled?

Act quickly. Contact the airline immediately and have your backup plan ready. Ask about alternative flights to nearby airports, check rental car availability, and consider train or bus options. The faster you respond, the more options you’ll have available.

Is it better to fly out of a hub airport during travel disruptions?

Yes. Hub airports like Chicago O’Hare, Boston Logan, or Atlanta have more flight options and larger aircraft that are less likely to be canceled. If you’re flying from a regional airport, consider driving to a nearby hub and departing from there instead.

How far in advance should I arrive if I’m worried about cancellations?

If your arrival time is critical, try to fly in a day early or even earlier in the same day. Time is your best asset when dealing with travel disruptions. The extra cushion can make the difference between making your important meeting or missing it entirely.

Are trains a reliable alternative to flying right now?

Yes. Amtrak is currently not experiencing cuts and can be an excellent alternative, especially for routes like Boston to New York City. Check if Amtrak serves your destination city and compare travel times. Regional services like Brightline in Florida are also worth exploring.

What percentage of flights are currently being canceled?

Approximately 7% of flights are currently being canceled, with predictions it could rise to 10%. While that’s significant, it means 90-93% of flights are still operating normally. Don’t panic, but do prepare a backup plan just in case.

Should I book a one-way rental car in advance?

It’s smart to research rental car options and pricing before your trip, but you don’t need to book unless your flight is actually canceled. Know the costs and availability for one-way rentals between potential alternative airports and your destination so you can make a quick decision if needed.

What information should I research before traveling?

Create a list that includes: alternative airports to fly into and out of, ground transportation options between airports, train routes through your destination, bus services available, and rental car companies with one-way options. Having this information at your fingertips can save hours when you need to pivot quickly.

Can I request to fly to a different airport if my flight is canceled?

Absolutely. When your flight is canceled, call the airline and ask about flights to nearby alternative airports. For example, if your Tucson flight is canceled, ask about Phoenix. Larger airports often have more available flights and are less likely to experience cancellations.

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