01. How to find out if your flight might be delayed

In the current era of periodic, widespread delays and cancellations, you need to be proactive and not wait for the airline to tell you there is a problem. Manually check the status of your flight in the 24 hours leading up to travel on your airline’s website (and check where the plane is coming from, if possible). Also, opt-in to flight notifications with us and download the carrier’s app on your phone.

02. This can be a tricky question to answer.

• If your flight is still listed as “on time” when you check, leave for the airport according to the original schedule. Once you’re at the gate, you may or may not experience a delay. Even if your flight shows as delayed, it can be subject to change. It’s best to be at the airport ready to go at the originally scheduled time in most cases.
• Remember that bad weather will sometimes cause a temporary ground stop at the airport. As soon as the weather gets better, the stop is lifted and airlines try to get their flights off the ground ASAP

03. What to do if there is bad weather

• Monitor weather patterns starting a few days before your flight to see if any major systems are anticipated. It’s vital to check the forecast on the day of travel to see how any issues are affecting your departure and arrival airports.
• Again, be sure you opt in to updates on your flight’s status. If you know bad weather is coming later in the day, ask for an earlier flight if you can.
• More and more airlines are allowing travelers to change plans with no fare difference prior to severe weather problems, like impending blizzards, ice storms or even heavy thunderstorms. Some will even proactively change your flight for you.
• If you know bad weather is on the horizon, either go to your airline’s website and look for an advisory notice or call the airline. If an airline gets ahead of weather issues, you may be able to reschedule your flight by a few days in either direction with no fees.
• However, if the airline hasn’t issued its own advisory, you could have to pay out of pocket for any fare differences. It’s definitely worth making a case to the airline directly even if they haven’t issued a waiver.

04. What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled

If you realize your flight is likely to be delayed based on where it’s coming from, keep a close eye on your flight’s status. If a delay becomes reality and you want an alternative to waiting it out, call us and check with us for rebooking options.

05. Retreat to a lounge

• If you have airline club access at a United Club, Delta Sky Club or similar, you can head there for help from experienced agents with potentially shorter lines. Use it as a spot to gather your thoughts, charge your phone and make level-headed decisions. The agents there might be able to help you change or track your flight.
• In third-party lounges, such as an American Express Centurion Lounge, you won’t be able to get that type of airline-specific assistance, but you’re still probably in a better spot to wait out the storm than in a crowded terminal.