Coping with flight delays and cancelled flights Delayed and cancelled flights rank among the most frequent complaints filed with the Department of Transportation. This is one area of the industry that is not controlled by any laws. Most airline trips are uneventful, however, airlines do not guarantee their schedules, and one should realize this when planning a trip. There are many things that can - and often do - make it impossible for flights to arrive on time. Some of these problems, such as bad weather and the air traffic delays resulting from it, are beyond the airlines’ control. Others, such as mechanical repairs, are mostly predictable.Late or Irregular Operation - Whenever Carrier fails to operate any flight according to schedule or changes the schedule of any flight, Carrier will, at the request of the passenger: Transport the passenger on another of its flights on which space is available at no additional charge; or Refund the ticket. Cancelled Flight(s) - In the event of flight cancellation, the Carrier will, at the request of the passenger: Transport the passenger on another of its flights on which space is available at no additional charge; or Refund the ticket. Generally the Carrier shall not be liable or responsible for any failure or delay in operating any flight due to causes beyond the Carrier's control, including but not limited to, acts of God, governmental actions, fire, weather, mechanical difficulties, strikes or labor disputes or inability to obtain fuel for the flight in question (see Carrier for exceptions). Carrier undertakes to use its best efforts to promptly notify all affected passengers of planned schedule changes and service withdrawals. This provision shall not be available to Carrier as a defense against claims by passenger unless Carrier has posted a sign containing notice of the content of this Section at each ticket counter and gate departure desk operated by Carrier. Contract terms shall in no manner limit the availability of any appropriate common law defenses which Carrier may assert in a court of law. Carrier will attempt to carry passengers and their baggage promptly but schedules are subject to change without notice and the time shown in Carrier's timetables, tickets and advertising are not guaranteed. Carrier may substitute other aircraft or airlines and may change, add or omit stopping places, all without prior notice to passengers. Carrier is not responsible for making connections to other flights of its own or those of other airlines. Build time into any itinerary for delays. Nevertheless, you can take steps to reduce your chances of encountering most delays and/or to limit their effects. When booking a flight, remember that a departure early in the day is less likely to be delayed than a later flight, partly due to the “ripple” effects of delays throughout the day. Also, if an early flight does get delayed or canceled, one may have more rerouting options. If the last flight of the day has been booked and that one is canceled, you could get stuck overnight. If you have to spend the night at an airport at your own expense, ask the airline to call and request a Distressed Passenger Rate. When making reservations that either have connections or layovers in "snow country" during the winter months, consider routing your trip elsewhere if possible to avoid a potential delay. When making domestic/international connections, always call BOTH airlines and request a notation to be put in your passenger's name record (PNR) with the other carrier's flight number and time. In general, you are least likely to be delayed on nonstop flights. A connection (change of planes) always involves the possibility of a misconnection. On a direct flight (intermediate stop, no change of planes), the second leg could be delayed or canceled. If you choose a flight with a stop or connection, try to select the one stopping at the least-congested en-route airport in order to reduce the risk of delay or misconnection. Also take into consideration seasonal variations in weather if you have a choice of connecting cities. When booking a connection, always check the amount of time between flights. Ask yourself what will happen if the first flight is delayed; if you don't like the answer, pick another flight or construct a connection that allows more time. Certain airports are more congested than others are. Also, flights during peak travel times of the day (e.g., 4:00-6:00 p.m.) are more susceptible to delay. Examine flights to all airports that serve your destination city. Ask about the on-time performance of each flight you are considering. The major airlines are required to make this information available upon request if you make a reservation through the carrier. These airlines also make the same information available through their web site or Computer Reservations Systems to consumers booking through travel agents. Stay tuned to the radio prior to your flight if possible. Make sure you have already called the airline though, before heading to the new airport, to check on the airline well ahead of your departure time to check on your flight’s status. If there is a problem, try to rebook over the telephone. While airlines often try to call to notify you of schedule changes, it may not be possible to do so if the airline only becomes aware of the delay within hours only shortly before the flight. It ’is wise to check. Also, make sure your airline’s record of your reservation contains a telephone number where you can be reached, or you will lose any opportunity of being called about a delay or flight change. If you can't get an answer on the phone and your schedule allows this, head for the airport - most gate attendants will be more than happy to get as many passengers to their destinations before predicted cancellations and delays. Arrive earlier than required if at all possible - if there is another flight going out and there is room, generally the carriers will allow you to get on the earlier flight without any additional charge. If your flight is delayed, try to find out how late it will be so that you can evaluate your options. But keep in mind that it is sometimes difficult for airlines to estimate the total duration of a delay during its early stages. In so-called “creeping delays,” unanticipated developments may occur. Weather that had been forecast to improve can instead deteriorate, or a mechanical problem can turn out to be more complex than initially expected. If the problem is with local weather or air traffic control, all flights will probably be late and there' is not much you or the airline can do to speed up your departure. If there is a mechanical problem with the plane for your particular flight or if the crew is delayed on an incoming flight, you might be better off trying to arrange another flight, as long as you do not have to pay a penalty or higher fare for changing your reservations. (It is sometimes easier to make such arrangements from a pay phone or cell phone than at a ticket counter.) If you find a flight on another airline, ask the first airline to endorse your ticket to the new carrier, which could save you a fare increase. Remember, however, that there is no rule requiring an airline to do this. If a snowstorm is scheduled the same day as your flight, check with your airline to see if you can standby for a flight the day before the snowstorm. If you are flying on an electronic ticket and will be switching carriers, request your original carrier to print out and/or endorse your ticket over to the new carrier BEFORE going to the new carrier. If your flight is late and your connection at the next airport is in jeopardy, tell a flight attendant while you are in flight or let the gate agent know if you are still at the gate. While on the airplane, check out the in-flight magazine for a diagram of the airport you will be landing in. Knowing the layout of the airport will help you move faster if connection time is at a premium. If your flight is canceled, most airlines will rebook you on their first next flight of theirs to your destination on which space is available, at no additional charge. If this involves a significant delay, find out if another carrier has space seats and ask the first airline to endorse your ticket to that carrier. Finding extra seats may be difficult, however, especially over holidays and other peak travel times. You may also demand a refund for a canceled flight. Generally airlines will allow your outbound airport to be changed due to known traffic accidents and the delays caused by them. Contact the airline with the desire to change your outbound flight to another airport if possible. Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport. There are no federal requirements regarding these amenities or services. If you are delayed, ask the airline staff if they will pay for meals or phone calls. Some airlines, often those charging very low fares, do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. Others may not offer amenities if bad weather or something else beyond the airline’s control causes the delay. Before you book your flight, you may wish to check the web sites of the larger carriers for their voluntary Customer Service Plans, which list the amenities that those airlines will provide to passengers. Airlines are not required to provide overnight accommodations unless it's between 12 o'clock midnight and 5 AM. Contrary to the belief of some, airlines are not required to compensate passengers for “damages” when flights are delayed or canceled. Compensation is required by law only when you are “bumped” from a flight that is oversold. Airlines almost always refuse to pay passengers for financial losses resulting from a delayed flight. If the purpose of your trip is to close a potentially lucrative business deal, to give a speech or lecture, to attend a family function, or to be present at any time-sensitive event, you might want to allow a little extra time and take an earlier flight. In other words, airline delays and cancellations are not unusual, and defensive planning is a good idea when time is your most important consideration. Although all carriers will deny this, passengers traveling on full coach tickets and/or are members of their frequent flyer programs, have more clout in these situations. Also, be aware of your carrier's "Passenger's Bill of Rights" in the event of cancelled flights - all have it listed on their web site.

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