Unfortunately, flight delays and cancellations have become a routine part of any plane trip these days — but help is now available from a top travel expert, who shares a range of tips to help you avoid holiday nightmares.
According to recent data from flight tracking company FlightAware, there are about 30,000 delayed flights worldwide every day, of which 7,000 to 9,000 flights are in or out of the US.
Some of the factors contributing to increasing flight delays and cancellations include bad weather, staff shortages, overscheduling, and mechanical breakdowns.
In an effort to navigate any travel chaos, the Chicago-based travel expert and founder of Empire Tours and Productions Steven Garcia has shared his best tips with DailyMail.com, from only booking direct flights to always having an alternative plan. Read on for his insights…
According to recent data from flight tracking company FlightAware, there are about 30,000 delayed flights worldwide each day, with 7,000 to 9,000 of them in or out of the US (stock image)
Scrap stopovers
If you can, Garcia advises flying directly to your destination.
He explains: ‘Even if you have to drive three or four hours to another airport to fly directly, it’s worth it.
‘If your connecting flight is canceled or delayed, it could ruin part, if not all, of your holiday.
“I drive from Charleston to Charlotte to do this all the time. I do the same when I’m in the Midwest.”
Points mean prizes!
If you fly regularly, Garcia emphasizes the importance of accumulating miles and points and trying to get the highest status possible with your preferred airline.
The travel pro reveals, “If you’re loyal to an airline, you’d be surprised how much effort they put in for you and they’ll even hold connecting flights for you.”
“I have friends who do business internationally and have flown the same airlines for decades.
They are literally treated like kings and queens. I was once with one of these friends who flew under his United Airlines account.
“They held our connecting flight for 30 minutes in Washington, DC just for him and when we landed, a Mercedes was waiting on the tarmac to take us to the next plane!”
Being nice goes a long way
Being kind to airline and airport staff is key to getting your travel plans back on track, says Garcia.
“They have more power than you think to change things and get you on a different flight to your destination,” he explains.
If you’re rude and the passenger next to you is nice, Garcia insists that you won’t make any progress and “they’ll put the other person above you on the next flight at any time.”
Chicago-based travel expert and founder of Empire Tours and Productions Steven Garcia has shared his best tips with DailyMail.com
Some of the factors contributing to increasing flight delays and cancellations include severe weather, staff shortages, overscheduling and mechanical failures (stock image)
Nothing special for the first night
Instead of booking an expensive hotel for the first night of your vacation, Garcia recommends opting for something cheaper nearby in case of flight cancellations or delays.
That way you don’t feel hassled in the event of a hiccup and you don’t have to try to get a refund.
Even if your flight isn’t delayed the first night, says the globetrotter, “usually you’ll still be tired from the journey and it doesn’t really matter if you sleep in a cheaper hotel and check into a fancy hotel the next day.”
‘You can then use the money saved for a nice dinner or activity.’
The sooner the better!
In terms of time to arrive at the airport, Garcia says the earlier the better.
He recommends arriving at least two hours before a flight, even if it’s a domestic flight.
This way, if you find out your flight has been delayed or canceled, the “handlers may have just enough time to get you on another flight.”
Plan for things to go wrong
If you go into a trip with low expectations, Garcia says “your whole travel experience will be more relaxed” and you’ll be able to deal with obstacles more easily.
For example, he says you’ll have an attitude of “oh, they just delayed our flight another four hours…let’s go to the bar, woo-whoo!!!” instead of “panicking and being disappointed, you arrive too late at your final destination.”
Keep calm and carry on
Travelers get “super stressed” when things go wrong, but Garcia says it’s important to keep a cool head.
You may get frustrated with flight delays, but focus on the task at hand and talk to the staff calmly.
Garcia advises, “Maybe you’re starting to get annoyed with little things.
“But if someone tries to skip you in line, just let them.
“If you get into a fight at the airport, you won’t fly anywhere and the staff will notice your heated behavior!”
Always be prepared
If you’re transferring at an airport, Garcia recommends researching some fun things to do at that location in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.
That way, if you find yourself stuck there for a day or night, you can make the most of the situation and put a positive spin on it.
Says the Chicago native, “It doesn’t take long to Google a few things and at least you’ll have a few tricks up your sleeve when disaster strikes.”