Winter Travel Tips During Severe Weather
Just days before Christmas and at the height of the holiday travel season, a fierce winter storm bringing blizzard conditions and freezing temperatures is predicted to hit the United States.
The US National Weather Service has predicted a powerful winter storm that will produce a multitude of weather hazards across the central and eastern United States through the end of the week.
Moreover, meteorologists have forecasted that the weather could drop 20 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) or more within just a few hours. This situation could lead to the development of a “bomb cyclone,” described as a powerful storm associated with a sudden and significant drop in atmospheric pressure.
Consequently, the storm is predicted to cause significant disruptions to travel by car and air starting the morning of December 22.
What to Do If You Plan to Travel
If you’re traveling within the United States in the coming days, it is essential to prepare for the storm. First, if you can change your flight, many airlines are offering waivers that allow modifications without extra fees.
Next, ensure your contact information, including your email address and phone number, is current with your airline. This step is crucial for receiving timely updates regarding your flight status.
Consider downloading your airline’s app, which can provide the most current information on your flight. This app can also facilitate quick rebooking from the airport if your flight is canceled. Additionally, a hotel booking app can be beneficial if you need to secure a room promptly.
Before leaving for the airport, check your flight status. It’s often easier and more comfortable to rearrange your plans from home or your hotel rather than from a crowded seat behind security.
Finally, pack essential items in your carry-on, such as medicine, car and house keys, a change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, phone chargers, and anything else you might need if your luggage is delayed for 24 hours or more.
What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled
If your flight is canceled or delayed due to weather, your consumer rights or options may be limited since this situation falls outside the airline’s control.
Once you learn that your flight has been canceled, it is advisable not to wait in line at the ticket counter. While standing in line, utilize your airline’s app or call the airline for faster service.
If you need to stay overnight in that city, quickly use a hotel or booking app on your phone to locate a room. With many travelers searching for accommodations, going directly to the hotel may risk finding no availability. Use the app to check for hotel openings and book your stay.
Additionally, even though reimbursement for expenses due to cancellations from weather is generally limited, it is worthwhile to check the card you used for booking to see if they provide any coverage for expenses incurred during travel disruptions.
