Flying this weekend? Plan for storms

Flying This Weekend? How to Handle Storm Delays

Team Sanctifly
A nor'easter is hitting the East Coast and a winter storm is heading for the Sierra Nevada. Here's how to stay ahead of weather delays and cancellations if you're flying this weekend.
If you're flying this weekend, keep an eye on the weather. A nor'easter is bringing heavy rain and storms to Philadelphia, Newark and New York from Thursday night into Friday, with rain and gusty winds in Boston and snow across the mountains of the Northeast, according to FOX Weather. Out West, a winter storm is expected in the Sierra Nevada from Friday through Monday.Storms like these can ripple through the whole flight network, so even if you're not flying from the East Coast, your plane or connection might be. Here's how to stay a step ahead.

1. Turn on airline app alerts now

Your airline's app will usually tell you about a delay, gate change or cancellation before the departure board does. Turn on notifications today so you're not finding out at the airport.

2. Check for a travel waiver

When a big storm is coming, airlines often post travel waivers that let you change your flight without a change fee, sometimes even before any flights are cancelled. Check your airline's travel alerts page. Moving your trip a day earlier or later can be the easiest way to avoid the disruption altogether.

3. Rebook in the app before the line forms

If your flight is cancelled, don't wait in line at the counter and hope. Start rebooking in the app right away, and call the airline at the same time. Whichever answers first wins. Ask about later flights, nearby airports and partner airlines too.

4. Know your refund rights

In the U.S., if the airline cancels your flight and you choose not to travel, you're entitled to a refund, even when the cause is weather. See the U.S. Department of Transportation's refund rules. Airlines generally don't have to cover hotels or meals for weather delays, so keep your receipts and check whether your credit card's trip delay coverage applies.

5. Pack for a long wait

Keep your charger, a power bank, medications, snacks and a layer in your carry-on. If you end up waiting hours for a new flight, you'll be glad you did.

Then find a better place to wait

A long delay feels very different with a comfortable seat, Wi-Fi, food and somewhere to charge. Sanctifly gives travelers access to more than 1,500 airport lounges worldwide, so a storm delay doesn't have to mean hours at a crowded gate.Safe travels this weekend, and travel well.— Team Sanctifly