5,000 flights have been cancelled since Saturday: What to do if you are troubled by thunderstorms

Nothing is like a series of thunderstorms. It was tough at U.S. airports this week, and was capped Monday by a storm system that swept over 2,000 flights and caused massive flash flooding, including some subway stations in New York City.

The traveler is not in the woods.

At least 600 additional flights were cancelled before 10 a.m. ET, according to Flightaware. And, the Federal Aviation Administration warns that travelers could suffer major damage in the 10 largest airports on the East Coast.

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As for the remaining week? I wish I had better news to share.

“I think we may see a lot of flight cancellations for the rest of the week,” Accuweather senior meteorologist Adam Douty told TPG on Tuesday.

Douty predicts the worst days ahead will be Thursday and Sunday – although there is no possibility of seeing disruptions as significant as Monday. Maybe a silver lining?

This could mean more delays, cancellations and headaches for travelers planning to have summer trips or weekend getaways (I’m one of them).

This is the option for interruptions and if you get stuck.

Read more: Flight cancellation or delay? What to do

Tough days of air travel

According to Flightaware, airlines have had to cancel more than 5,200 flights since Saturday.

Monday is the worst. The storm swept across the southeast, the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast blocks. At some point in the afternoon, the FAA took root or slowed down flights at nearly every major hub in the eastern coastal region.

Three major airports in New York were hit hardest. Nearly 35% of departures were abandoned at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on Monday, and nearly 30% of flights were cut at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Additionally, more than a quarter of flights were withdrawn from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Why are passengers stuck on the plane?

It is frustrating for travelers that Monday’s storm caused passengers not only to get stuck in the airport terminal, but in some cases – on the plane for several hours.

The combination of storms and abandoned flight schedules has led to traffic congestion on the taxiway, prompting prolonged takeoff waiting.

Meanwhile, some aircraft were unable to reach the gates as nearby lightning forced basic ground crews to retreat to the shelter.

What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled?

Whether you’re in trouble because of a storm or forecasting and flying your forecasts and flights later this week, this is what you can prepare and adapt.

If possible, fly in the morning

We’ve said it on TPG for years, but if you can take one of your initial flights in the morning, a lack of sleep may be worth the stress you save.

Morning flights are often cancelled and delayed for several reasons. On the one hand, those pop-up storms that are trapped in air traffic are less common in the morning. As flight schedules are abandoned by these storms, so are air traffic control delays.

Plus, overnight hours allow airlines to reset their schedules, which usually look as good as the whole day in the morning.

Remember that many aircraft (especially those flying areas and family services) visit several cities a day. If the plane is delayed to Memphis, then delayed again in Charlotte, and then delayed again in Miami…it is likely not going to arrive in LaGuardia on time for afternoon afternoon.

Pay attention to the options to change your flight

Of course, if you have already booked a trip, “Flying in the morning” is not the most useful advice.

However, airlines may offer a proposal to change the trip when predicting the major storm systems.

Sometimes, the carrier will issue a travel consultation, and even for travelers with restricted basic economic tickets, tickets can be replaced.

In other cases, your airline may email you asking if you want to pre-emptively travel.

Use the app instead of waiting

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, many airlines will allow you to make itinerary changes through their mobile apps.

Personally, I found this to be one Distant A less stressful option is more than standing on a 50-minute line or waiting for a few hours.

Right of refund

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Policy, if your flight is cancelled or is significantly delayed (three hours domestically and six hours internationally), you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel.

This applies to any type of flight interruption, including stormy weather.

If you decide to take a train or drive instead of flying, the refund rules may be convenient if you decide to rebook on another airline (from your pocket)…or, if you decide to abolish travel and stay at home.

Remember: If you do accept accommodation with an airline (such as rebooking), you may be likely to be no Refund eligibility should be paid.

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Where are the food and hotel certificates?

Many airlines promise that when passengers are trapped, they will pay for unexpected hotel nights, dining and ground transportation, etc.

Capture: These are usually due to travel obstacles (such as maintenance and airline staffing) that are responsible for airlines.

In most cases, the weather will no Belongs to this category, so:

Credit cards with travel insurance come in handy

We recommend bringing a travel credit card with built-in travel insurance. These are some of the favorites of the TPG team.

Remember: In most cases, you need to book a trip with this card in order to make a successful claim.

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