That Sounds Like More Vacation with Extra Steps

Planning to go somewhere this holiday season for your proposal? You got a cruelty free lab created diamond and decided to spend a little more to set it in platinum? You're planning to take your person on a "regular date" to the Bahamas and thinking about popping the question on that gorgeous warm beach? Think again. More than 24,000 flights have been delayed or canceled since the day prior to Christmas Eve. What's the issue? Well, a number of things. Your not so friendly neighborhood COVID-19 outbreaks, the weather, and staffing shortages.

Why did your flight get canceled? Well, if weather was the reason there's not much that can be done. The weather cannot be controlled - that is unless you're the government in Dubai and need rain, in which case yes the weather can be controlled. In cases of bad weather, waiting is all you can do. It is helpful to plan ahead as much as you can to try to avoid traveling in bad weather to reduce the likelihood that your flight gets canceled. If it's a staffing shortage, that's not something you can plan to avoid. Staffing shortages are happening for a number of reasons, with COVID, pay/benefits, and customer behavior being some of the contributing factors. Sick workers can't work and if those who are left get overwhelmed and quit there is not much the airline can do. Keep these things in mind if you decide to travel this holiday season. It's fairly likely that you will end up with at least one canceled or delayed flight.

So your flight has been canceled, now what? It depends on where you found out. Due to COVID, the best place to find out your flight got canceled is in the comfort of your own home. However, if you find out at your terminal, it's ok. If you happen to be near the desk, try to get your flight rescheduled. If you're away from the desk it may be faster to go through the call center. Remember to have a positive attitude because the words "please" and "thank you" may get you a complimentary hotel night stay and upgraded seats instead of being trapped for a night at the airport. Please note that airlines are not required to give out these vouchers and there's no law or rule that protects passengers who get stuck.

Don't fret too much if your new flight is in 24 hours and you were unable to get a hotel voucher; you may want to check with the credit card you booked your flight with because some companies offer passenger protection and you might be able to get a hotel room that way. Speaking of passenger protection, make sure to book with insurance and during these times it may be good to pay a little extra for refundable tickets.