How to avoid flight delays and cancellations

Between bad weather, air-traffic control congestion, staffing issues and maintenance problems, flight delays are a necessary evil of the travel industry.

Some delays inevitably turn into cancellations, which could really throw a wrench in your travel plans.

Moreover, throughout the pandemic, we've seen a slew of airline meltdowns, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and delays in a very short period of time.

Avoiding flight delays and irregular operations may not always be possible. Still, you can certainly do a few things to maximize your chances of getting to your destination (with your luggage).

Whether it's booking the first flight of the day or buying a flight from an airline hub, here's what you need to know to avoid flight delays, cancellations and airline meltdowns.

Fly nonstop

When things go awry, getting to your destination gets even more complicated when you add in a connection. Even if your first flight operates as scheduled, there's no telling what will happen to the next flight.

Therefore, if possible, book nonstop flights to maximize your chances of getting to your destination.

If you get started at your point of origin, you can always go home to cut your losses. When you're already on the road, finding a replacement flight or a place to stay in some other city that's not your destination may be challenging.

Take the first flight of the day

The first flight of the day is typically best for many reasons, including being less likely to be delayed.

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Typically, your plane will be waiting for you at the airport since most domestic jets don't fly at night. Plus, if there are technical issues, engineers can resolve them overnight without disrupting your plans.

If the first flight of the morning is delayed, it'll only get worse throughout the day as that plane operates more flights throughout the day.

Fly from hubs

Most major U.S. airlines operate hubs in key cities throughout the country. These airports handle hundreds of daily flights for each major carrier, and they're often home to crew bases as well.

If your flight is delayed or canceled, the odds are much higher that you can find a backup flight if you're traveling to or from a hub with multiple daily services.

Plus, if your flight experiences crew or maintenance issues, getting those resolved at a hub is usually easier than at an outstation.

Don't check bags

This one may not be possible, but if you can, avoid checking bags. When flight delays and cancellations start piling up, airline baggage handling systems get strained, leading to multi-hour (if not longer) waits to retrieve checked bags after canceled flights.

Plus, your rebooking options may be more limited if you've checked a bag on your flight.

Even if you eventually make it to your destination, your checked bag may take days — if not weeks — to show up.

If you must check a bag, we'd recommend placing an Apple AirTag in your luggage and keeping all your valuables in your carry-on.

Know your rights

When your flight is significantly delayed or canceled, you are entitled to a full refund (not credit), regardless of the reason. That's thanks to the Department of Transporation policy, which requires a refund for irregular operations encountered on flights to, from or within the U.S.

Since you can collect a full refund when your flight is canceled, you can then rebook quickly on another airline that's operating on time.

Prepare a backup option

Many of the major U.S. airlines have interline ticketing agreements with other carriers, meaning that you can get rebooked on another airline if your flight gets significantly delayed or canceled.

As you're preparing to travel, arrive at the airport armed with a backup plan in case your flight gets scrapped. Approach the customer service counter with your backup options and ask the agent to rebook you on another airline — which shouldn't come at any additional cost, assuming that the airline has an interline agreement with the operating carrier.

Check your credit card benefits

Several of TPG's top recommended travel credit cards include trip disruption and cancellation insurance.

Be sure to charge all airfare expenses to these cards and read up on your benefits before travel. If your flight does get delayed or canceled, alert your credit card company and take advantage of your benefits.

Save and submit your receipts

As we've seen throughout the latest string of meltdowns, many U.S. airlines are willing to reimburse meals, hotels and alternate transportation when you're impacted by a flight cancellation or significant flight delay due to a reason within an airline's control.

Be sure to collect your receipts throughout the travel journey and send them to the customer care department after your travel for reimbursement consideration.

Bottom line

Though it may not be possible to avoid flight delays and cancellations, there are some things you can do to prevent them from happening.

From booking the first flight of the day to flying nonstop, minimizing your exposure to irregular operations is definitely possible.

But, when things do go bad, be sure to check out TPG's guide to what happens if your flight gets delayed or canceled.