If you are anything like me, you are glad that travel has resumed (even if you are trying to be really, really careful about going out and about again). Like so many other things, it may have “resumed” but a lot has changed. Along with about a zillion new or different rules and regulations (most are no big deal, just require some advanced knowledge. So be sure to check your airline’s requirements before you go, as well as that of any other travel info, such as accommodations) there have been other issues that have cropped up, such as staff shortages. Add that to regular air travel delights such as TSA making life interesting, and weather related fun and games, and I’d say it can be a challenge to fly- to put it mildly.
Have you had cancelled plans? I know I have. As well as new routes, new layovers, long lay overs, and more. Here is some current info about some of the most popular airlines in the USA, shared via “The Navigator”.
American Airlines canceled thousands of flights this weekend
American Airlines canceled more than 1,500 flights over the weekend and delayed over 1,000 others. The airline cited a combination of weather – high winds, specifically – and staffing shortages as the reason for the widespread disruptions.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/30/american-airlines-cancels-hundreds-of-weekend-flights.html
These issues come just a few weeks after Southwest had to cancel nearly 2,000 flights in one weekend for virtually the same combination of reasons. So what gives?
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-my-southwest-flight-was-canceled-bad-weather-in-florida-2021-10
As air travel has resumed, airlines continue to struggle with cancelations for a variety of factors, though one of the most impactful is staffing shortages. Most airlines significantly reduced their staff during the pandemic in order to stay afloat and are now having a difficult time dealing with setbacks as they rapidly try to bring on new hires.
With the holiday travel season on the horizon, we’ll be watching this situation closely. In the meantime, be sure to know when you’re entitled to a refund from your airline.
https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds
I am sharing this information via “The Navigator”.
