5,000 flights canceled in 4 days: How storms are affecting travel this week
Nothing ruins a summer travel day quite like a line of thunderstorms. And this week has been a rough go at U.S. airports, capped by a whopper of a storm system Monday that scuttled more than 2,000 flights and led to significant flash flooding, including at some New York City subway stations.
Travelers aren't out of the woods.
At least 600 additional flights had already been preemptively canceled for Tuesday by 10 a.m. EDT, according to data from FlightAware. And, the Federal Aviation Administration warned travelers could face significant disruptions at 10 of the largest airports along the East Coast.
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As for the rest of the week? I wish I had better news to share.
"I think we will likely see a pretty high number of flight cancellations through the rest of the week," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Adam Douty told TPG on Tuesday.
The worst days ahead, Douty predicted, will be Thursday and Sunday — though it's possible neither will see disruptions quite as significant as Monday's. A silver lining, perhaps?
That could mean more delays, cancellations and headaches for travelers with a summer trip or weekend getaway planned (I'm one of them).
Here's what to know about the disruptions, and what your options are if you're stuck.
Read more: Flight canceled or delayed? Here's what to do
A rough few days for air travel
Since Saturday, airlines have had to cancel more than 5,200 flights, according to data from FlightAware.
Monday was the worst; storms swept across a large swath of the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. At one point during the afternoon, the FAA had grounded or slowed flights at almost every major hub along the Eastern Seaboard.
New York's three major airports were among the hardest hit. Nearly 35% of all departures were scrapped Monday at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), with close to 30% of flights axed at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Additionally, more than a quarter of flights were scuttled out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Why did passengers get stuck on planes?
In a frustrating turn for travelers, Monday's storms led to passengers stuck not just in airport terminals, but — in some cases — on planes, for hours.
The combination of storms and thrown-off flight schedules led to traffic jams on taxiways, prompting long waits for takeoff.
Meanwhile, some aircraft couldn't get to the gate, as nearby lightning forced essential ground crews to retreat inside to shelter.
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What should you do if your flight is delayed or canceled?
Whether you're stuck because of storms or eyeing the forecast and your flight for later this week, here's what you can do to prepare and adapt.
Fly in the morning, if you can
We've said it for years, here at TPG, but if you can take one of the first flights in the morning, the lack of sleep may be worth the stress you'll save.
Morning flights tend to get canceled and delayed less, for a few reasons. For one, those pop-up storms that snarl air traffic are just a lot less common in the morning. So are the air traffic control delays that mount as flight schedules get thrown off by those storms.
Plus, the overnight hours allow airlines to reset their schedules, which often look about as good in the morning as they will all day.
Keep in mind, many planes (especially those flying regional and domestic service) will visit several cities in a day. If an aircraft gets delayed in Memphis, and then again in Charlotte, and then again in Miami ... it's likely not making it to LaGuardia on time for that late-afternoon departure.
Watch for options to change your flight
Of course, "fly in the morning" isn't the most helpful advice if you've already booked your trip.
However, when a major storm system is forecast, airlines may reach out with offers to change your itinerary.
Sometimes, carriers will issue a travel advisory that allows widespread ticket changes, even for travelers flying on a restrictive basic economy ticket.
In other cases, your airline may send you an email asking if you want to preemptively change your trip.
Use the app instead of waiting on hold
If your flight is delayed or canceled, a lot of airlines will let you make itinerary changes right through their mobile app.
Personally, I find this to be a far less stressful option than standing in a 50-minute line or waiting on hold for hours on end.
Refund rights
Under U.S. Department of Transportation policy, if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed (three hours for a domestic flight, six hours for international), you're entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel.
This applies to any type of flight disruption, including stormy weather.
The refund rules can be handy if you decide to take the train or drive instead of fly, if you decide to rebook yourself (out of pocket) on another airline ... or, if you decide to scrap the trip and stay home.
Just remember: If you do accept the airline's accommodations (like rebooking), you would likely not be refund-eligible.
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What about food and hotel vouchers?
A number of airlines have promised the DOT they'll pay for things like unexpected hotel nights, meals and ground transportation when passengers are stranded.
The catch: These are generally for travel troubles that are the airline's responsibility (think maintenance and airline staffing).
In most cases, weather would not fall into that category, so:
A credit card with travel insurance comes in handy
We recommend carrying a travel credit card that has built-in travel insurance. Here are some of the TPG team's favorites.
Just remember: In most cases, you'll need to book the trip with that card in order to make a successful claim.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.