COVID restrictions are still in place. It seems many airlines will not have enough crew to satisfy traveling needs during the holiday season; therefore, traveling by airplane will be a hassle.
In the past years, the weather was the common problem for flights delays and cancellations. But now, it is the pandemic and the strict government regulation about the Covid-19 vaccine mandate for employees of federal government contractors who need to be vaccinated by December 8, 2021.
If you plan to travel within the United States, you still have other choices, like going by train, bus or car. Passengers are not required to be compensated by the airline if their flight is delayed or canceled for bad weather, air traffic delays, or mechanical issues. U.S. laws only require compensation when a passenger is “bumped” from a flight that is oversold. Also, check with your credit cards about travel benefits and protections that cover flight delays, cancellations, and lost or delayed luggage.
If you are traveling internationally, be prepared to have a plan B and C in case of flight cancellations.
Under federal law, airlines are obliged to provide a full refund to customers if a flight is significantly delayed (usually over two hours) and the passenger chooses not to travel. As a result, some airlines will arrange an overnight stay for customers whose flight is canceled or delayed and does not board before midnight on the scheduled arrival day.
Keep this in mind: “If you arrive at your domestic destination 2+ hours later than your original arrival time, international destination 4+ hours later than your original arrival time, or if the airline does not make substitute travel arrangements for you, you will be compensated for 400% of your one-way ticket price or a $1,550 maximum.” Reference: upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/flight-delay-cancelation-compensation/
Safe travels!
By Cinthia Kettering
