If you’ve flown recently, chances are you’ve experienced a flight delay. It’s so common that almost 20 percent of all arrivals and 19 percent of all departures this year have experienced a delay. Needless to say, this can be frustrating for fliers. But by being proactive, you can help alleviate some of the stress that comes from flight delays.
In a recent article in View From The Wing, an experienced travel writer shares his tips on how to predict if your flight will be delayed – and what you can do to get a head start on re-booking if it is.
You want to start by figuring out where your plane is coming from. Not just the incoming flight but all flights along that day’s route. Weather in one city has a ripple effect and can impact your travel. Apps such as FlightAware.com allow you to input your flight number and trace that aircraft’s journey. Keep in mind that not all delays are weather-related. They could also stem from flight crew staffing or mechanical issues.
If you see delays earlier in the day, experts suggest you start looking for other options to get you to your destination. This will give you a leg up on other passengers should the flight be severely delayed or canceled and you need to re-book. Consider yourself a travel troubleshooter.
Have you ever gotten to the airport only to find out that your flight is delayed? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know if you’ll try this travel trick and start tracking your flight throughout the day.
