If you’re like me, you’re flight to the Northeast may have been cancelled before any snow has even fallen on the ground (although I guess there are worse places to be “stuck” than Punta Cana, Dominican Republic). I learned of the news at dinner Sunday night, when a Delta alert popped up on my smartphone telling me my flight to NYC had been rescheduled from Monday to Tuesday. When I asked a Delta representative the likelihood of the new flight also being cancelled, I was told they are “monitoring the situation.”
Screenshot taken from Twitter by Jessica Festa.
The situation is a huge snowstorm — which many on Twitter have taken to calling #Snowpocalypse — that is expected to pummel the Northeast. Before the snow has even fallen, airlines have cancelled over 3,500 flights. If you add the approximately 800 flights that have been grounded this morning, the total comes to about 4,360 flights, and has left many aggravated fliers stranded.
Tuesday won’t be any easier for those with airline tickets booked. In fact, United Airlines is already planning to stop operations at numerous major airports, while JetBlue has already cancelled a number of Tuesday flights. Basically, if you’re flying this week, start looking up alternative itineraries and travel plans, because it’s likely you’re not going anywhere for awhile.
The good news is most travelers won’t need to worry about change fees during this ordeal, and there’s the potential of getting a free upgrade if you can’t get on a flight in your original ticket class.
Photo courtesy of TheeErin via flickr.
Instances like this make you realize how important it is to understand your rights as a passenger.
In terms of flight cancellations, remember your flight times are always subject to change. You’re entitled to a ticket refund, a flight to your first departure point or a re-routed ticket to your final destination — and sometimes even further compensation depending on the circumstances; however, in the case of extreme weather, compensation is rarely offered, although a ticket refund, re-schedule of your flight or credit for a future flight should be expected.
Future tip: For the best chances of avoiding flight hassles, booking an early morning flight allows for more opportunities to be re-booked on the same day. If you can book direct flights, that’s even better.
If you feel your flight cancellation case deserves compensation, you can file a claim with AirHelp, who can assist you in seeking compensation (but keeps 25 percent of the reimbursement if the claim is successful).