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Why are flight disruptions expected?
More than 2.8 million travelers expected to pass through airport security checkpoints on Friday – a single-day record according to to the Transportation Security Administration.
TSA is bracing for a “continued increase in passenger traffic” throughout the summer, with June 29 to July 5 being the busiest period.
Severe storms and staffing shortages have derailed thousands of flights this week.storm is predicting Heading into the weekend, a large swath of the United States.
Technical issues could also disrupt air travel this weekend.Starting Saturday, wireless carriers will be allowed to boost the power of their 5G signals, as well as planes that do not have certain equipment to prevent such transmissions from interfering will not be allowed to land Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said when visibility is poor, such as inclement weather.
“It’s a combination of factors,” says Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet. “Unfortunately, we do expect a lot of delays.”
What can you do about flight delays or cancellations?
Passengers affected by flight disruptions may have some recourse. But the rules vary depending on the situation and the airline.
Federal law does not require airlines to pay compensation to delayed passengers, Palmer said.
If the airline cancels the flight for any reason, the passenger is legally entitled to a full refund including fare, taxes, baggage fees, surcharges and surcharges. Passengers must receive their refund within 7 business days if they paid by credit card or within 20 days if they paid by cash or check.
“You don’t have to accept rebookings or coupons or anything,” Murray said. “They have to give you a refund if you want to.”
Unfortunately, we do expect a lot of delays
Kimberly Palmer
NerdWallet’s Personal Finance Experts
Of course, the policy doesn’t necessarily help cover other expenses, such as food and lodging, or travelers who would rather continue to their destination than receive a refund.
Here, airlines have some discretion to release funds – especially if the delay or cancellation is their fault and not due to factors beyond their control, such as bad weather.
“There’s no reason not to ask,” Palmer said.
U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard Outlines airline-specific passenger rights. The list outlines the commitments made by the 10 largest airlines in the event of “manageable” cancellations and delays.
“These are not recommendations,” Murray said of the commitments. “It’s binding.”
For example: All major airlines will rebook “severely” delayed passengers on the same airline at no extra cost, and will pay for meals if they are delayed by three hours or more. Some will rebook on partner airlines for free.
All major airlines (except Frontier) will cover the cost of hotel accommodation and transportation to the hotel in case of overnight cancellation. Six out of 10 will be rebooked on another airline for free. Only two Concession Points or Travel Credits will be awarded if the cancellation results in a wait of at least three hours.
Even if the delay is not their fault, many airlines will transfer your ticket to another flight with available seats on another airline at no extra cost – if you ask, according to Donate to the US PIRG Education Fund.
Of course, none of these options will help travelers who opt for other modes of transportation, such as rental cars, when their flights are disrupted, Palmer said.
“I think it’s a very common situation for people,” which could come with “a lot of extra costs,” she said.
How to Reduce Your Chances of Flying Dilemma
Here are some general travel tips from experts to reduce the chances that a flight delay or cancellation will affect you.
- Fly earlier in the day. This is usually when airlines experience the least disruption; if any, passengers may have ample flight options for the rest of the day, depending on the route and airline.
- Try to avoid connecting flights. Taking two flights instead of one doubles the chances of a flight disruption.
- If possible, choose an airline with multiple flights to your location each day. In the event of a disruption, there is more opportunity to catch another flight.
- Check to see if your credit card can cover flight delays and cancellations. If so, and you purchased travel with the card, you may be entitled to certain benefits.
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