How to Avoid Flight Delays

The airport is crowded with travelers, and you find out the flight you're scheduled to be on is delayed or worse yet, it's been cancelled. If you travel a lot, you've probably dealt with flight delays before.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Schedule and book flights as far in advance as possible. Getting a head start on planning the trip helps things go smoothly.
2. Monitor the weather. Weather can change quickly especially during hurricane season or winter. Watch the local weather and the weather conditions in the area you plan to travel. It's a good idea to check out weather in the areas through which you'll travel.
3. Pay more to schedule a flight with no layover. A layover means there's another chance of a delay.
4. Call a week before your scheduled flight to see how many people are booked on your flight. The airline company you're flying with can probably tell you of any change in flight schedules and whether the airline has over-booked the flight.
5. Contact the airline several hours before you leave the house to find out if there are delays or cancellations. You'll avoid a wasted trip to the airport and allow you to reschedule your flight.
6. Try to travel early, or late in the day, during peak hours or holiday times. Schedule an overnight flight to avoid day travel.
7. Check the intended airline's delay rating. If the airline you choose has delays often, then check out another airline. Use an airline that has a good delay rating.
8. Have a backup plan and prepare to travel another way in case of a flight delay. Look for flight alternatives such as bus, car or train.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring entertainment items such as an mp3 player, a good book, your laptop computer, handcrafts or writing pads and tools to help pass the time in case of a delay.
• Find a list of hotels in the area before you travel. This helps in case of a flight delay and you have to stay longer than planned.
• Pack a carry on bag with any meds you need, a toothbrush and change of clothes in case you get stuck at the airport.
• Choose a morning flight to help decrease the chances of flight delay.