Will Your Flights Depart On Schedule This Summer?

This summer, a staggering 4.7 billion people are predicted to fly, and various factors might lead to chaos at airports across the nation. A recent study by global travel technology firm Amadeus indicates that "flight disruptions are currently exceeding historical averages," with no improvement on the horizon. The airline industry is grappling with the sharp rise in air travel demand, according to the report.

"Heightened demand for travel this summer, combined with airlines over-scheduling and staff shortages at both airports and TSA," could lead to significant delays, according to Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, which aids passengers in claiming compensation for delayed or canceled flights. Moreover, additional challenges may worsen the situation. Christina Tunnah, the Americas general manager at travel insurance provider World Nomads, notes that flight delays and cancellations are rising due to "climate change causing extreme weather events" and the increasing frequency of "strikes in popular European destinations."

Furthermore, "aircraft shortages due to manufacturing challenges at Boeing are anticipated to heighten the risk of delays and cancellations as well," states Daniel Durazo, communications director at Allianz Partners USA, which provides travel protection.

Travelers are feeling the impact even before the hectic summer travel season kicks off. Jen Moyse, vice president of product at TripIt, revealed that a March survey conducted by the travel organization app found that 48 percent of the 1,800 U.S.-based respondents faced some form of flight disruption, such as cancellations or delays, in the last six months. This marks an 8 percent increase from a similar survey carried out by TripIt in 2023.

Airlines and airports are striving to reduce disruptions. However, with the travel industry still recovering from the pandemic and now facing another major hurdle due to grounded aircraft for safety reasons, travelers should be ready for potential "major travel meltdowns," according to Pawliszyn. Following a midflight incident involving a panel blowing off a Boeing 737-9 Max operated by Alaska Airlines, safety concerns led to the grounding of numerous Boeing planes. Consequently, production delays for certain Boeing models have forced some airlines to cut back on the number of flights they can operate this summer and into the future.

Industry experts have shared their tips on how travelers can brace for what could be significant flight disruptions this summer—and how to safeguard their travel plans if such issues arise.

Consider travel insurance

While travel insurance can’t guarantee you’ll arrive at your destination on schedule, it can alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with unexpected delays. If your flight is delayed, costs for extra hotel nights, lost tour deposits, and additional meals can accumulate quickly. Travel insurance can assist, but coverage can differ significantly among providers and plans. As noted by Tunnah from World Nomads, “Some travel insurance policies may cover airline strikes, but not staffing shortages.” The coverage amounts also vary widely; for instance, some World Nomads plans cover losses up to $2,500, while others extend up to $10,000.

Regarding travel insurance, "one size doesn’t fit all," warns Moyes from TripIt. She advises selecting a plan thoughtfully to ensure it aligns with your specific needs.

Despite the differences among plans, "most travel insurance options cover flight cancellations, travel delays, and lost or delayed luggage," states Tunnah. However, if your flight experiences a delay or cancellation, coverage might not activate immediately. "In any situation, the travel insurance provider will ask you to first pursue compensation or a 'make right' from the airline," she explains. This means that if an airline offers to cover a hotel stay and you decline, your insurance likely won’t reimburse you for a more expensive hotel of your choice.

To maximize your travel insurance benefits, keep records of the reasons for your flight’s cancellation or delay, any compensation provided by the airline, and retain your receipts.

How to stay informed about flight disruptions

The earlier you are aware of a flight disruption, the better prepared you’ll be to adjust your plans. Therefore, it’s essential to stay proactive and get information about flight disruptions as soon as they are made public. A quick way to receive updates on potential delays or cancellations is to download your airline’s app. "We urge all travelers to download their carrier’s app immediately after booking a ticket. U.S. airlines have heavily invested in their mobile apps to provide updates on flight details like boarding times, gate assignments, and other crucial announcements," advises Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. carriers.

You should also consider downloading the flight tracking app FlightAware, which can alert travelers to upcoming changes even before the airline does. For example, if your flight is consistently delayed, you can use FlightAware to check the current location of your aircraft. If it appears to be stuck at the previous departure airport, it might be wise to start exploring alternative flight options as a backup.

How to prepare for the unexpected

With the high likelihood of flight disruptions this summer, maintaining flexibility is key. "Allow extra time in your schedule to accommodate potential setbacks, especially if you have important events like a wedding or a cruise to catch," suggests Moyse. She also recommends packing an additional set of clothes, essential items, medications, device batteries and chargers, along with extra snacks in your carry-on bags to handle any delays effectively.

Book wisely

While there's no foolproof method to guarantee your flight won't be delayed, you can adopt strategic planning to boost your chances of reaching your destination on time.

"Booking the first flight of the day, or at least one in the morning, is a smart strategy. If your flight experiences delays or cancellations, you’re more likely to rebook for the same day. Additionally, morning delays tend to be less disruptive," advises Tunnah.

Flying nonstop is another effective way to improve your chances. This means you’ll only have to worry about one flight’s delay instead of multiple. Although it might require a longer drive to reach a larger airport for a nonstop option, Tunnah notes that it could ultimately save you both time and money.

While past performance isn’t always a reliable indicator, "you can do some research on your flight's history. Check FlightAware to see how often your specific flight is delayed or canceled," Tunnah suggests. If your flight has a history of tardiness, it might be worth exploring other options.

Understand your rights

The U.S. Department of Transportation has recently introduced new regulations mandating that airlines automatically refund passengers for significantly delayed or canceled flights. However, since airlines have a six-month window to implement these changes, most passengers will not benefit from these rules this summer. They are expected to take effect in October 2024, unless airlines challenge the decision.

Until airlines are mandated to enforce the new regulations, passengers flying within the United States have very limited rights regarding flight disruptions.

"For domestic flights in the U.S., there are no federal mandates, leaving it up to airlines to decide whether to offer compensation for delayed flights," explains Michael Soud, a lawyer specializing in corporate law and cofounder of the travel blog Travel Insighter. He notes that it is common for many airlines to rebook passengers or provide hotel accommodations and meal vouchers when flights are delayed for several hours or canceled. Some airlines may also offer delayed passengers vouchers or frequent flyer miles for future flights.

In fact, the DOT has developed an airline customer service dashboard where you can view the compensation commitments made by each airline.

However, despite some airlines being willing to offer substantial support during delays or cancellations, they are not legally obligated to assist stranded passengers, according to Soud. "The only instance where the law mandates compensation for domestic flights is if you are involuntarily bumped from a flight due to overselling by the airline," he states. This means that the level of compensation can vary greatly, at least for the time being.

For international flights, passengers enjoy more rights, but enforcing them can be challenging. Soud highlights that the Montreal Convention grants international travelers the right to file a claim for reimbursement with the airline for delayed or canceled flights. However, success is not guaranteed. "If the airline rejects your claim, you may need to take them to court for reimbursement," which can be a hassle for many travelers, he adds.

Passengers traveling to, from, and within European Union (EU) countries enjoy stronger protections. "If you’re departing from an EU airport to the U.S. or arriving at an EU airport from the U.S. on an EU-based airline, you can seek compensation as a U.S. traveler," Soud explains. Under EC 261/2004, "airlines are required to compensate you for delays, cancellations, and denied boarding," he adds. The amount of compensation varies based on the duration of the delay, with EU passenger rights typically activating after a delay of two hours or more.

Several other countries have enacted laws that provide passengers with rights in the event of flight disruptions. For instance, passengers traveling to and from the United Kingdom have rights that closely mirror those in the EU, according to Soud. If an international flight is delayed or canceled, it’s advisable to review the regulations of the countries involved in your journey to determine if you qualify for compensation—these regulations usually apply to foreign carriers operating within the respective airspace as well.

Embrace patience

While flight disruptions can be annoying at best and costly, stressful, or even traumatic at worst, depending on your destination and circumstances, Moyse reminds travelers to “remember that the travel industry is still facing labor shortages, and flight crews, hotel staff, travel agents, and other service personnel are doing their utmost to assist you.” Practicing patience and kindness can enhance the experience for you and your fellow travelers, even in the face of disruptions. “Ultimately, don’t let disruptions spoil your journey,” she advises.