Had an issue with a flight recently? Its disturbing to think that the crew on the plane would lie to the passengers, says Loftin. 50% (9) of Alaska Airlines flights were delayed. A few years ago Ryanair experienced its biggest employee strike to the day, tens of flights were cancelled affecting tens of thousands of passengers. This has been happening for decades. We had friends that had taken a bump from a earlier flight and were on standby for this flight. So Whats With Uzbekistan Airways Good Luck Slogan? Heres what to do if your flight is canceled or delayed. It wasnt weather related at all. Enrollment required. Both pilots and air traffic controllers are highly skilled professionals who can take a very long time to train, and schedules for the remainder of the summer are mostly set. He was subsequently arrested. I lost 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. I have seen airlines use a weather delay in reference to weather that occured in one or two stations upline from my location, but it is unlikely that the carrier If the delay was 3 or more hours, file a claim with us and well take a closer look at the situation. The major U.S. airlines are required to report the causes of their flight delays to the Department of Transportation every month. It can be a key difference between an airline being able to recover and operate its schedule within a few hours or by the next morning and an airline having to mass-cancel a significant number of flights over what can spiral into a multi-day recovery. Can you get flight compensation from airline when that happens? And other staffing issues throughout the continent are causing airports such as Amsterdam and London Heathrow to implement passenger caps. The DOT/FAA regulates so much, but in this critical experience area, there is little recourse for consumers to get information or dispute the blatantly false statements of employees. Over the years, air carriers have stripped away so much from an airline ticket that it's all but unrecognizable. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Stop making employees bend facts. In other words, if an airline claims a delay is caused by weather, the carrier can save tens of thousands of dollars in hotel and meal expenses. Computer blackouts. Uniteds contract of carriage the legal agreement between passengers and the airline provides compensation for mechanical delays. United blamed bad weather for a delay in his flight from Chicago to Wichita, but Smith checked the weather and found nothing that would affect a flight. In United's case, a pilot shortage exacerbated by a frayed relationship between pilots and management was probably the primary cause. is a senior aviation reporter at TPG who focuses on the operational side of the airline industry. But I didnt do it! Royal Caribbean charged me $1,556 to leave my cruise early. They canceled my flight. And when a big front sweeps across the nation, long lines of storms can stretch for hundreds of miles such as in Texas or over the Great Lakes region and disrupt flight paths indefinitely between major airports. As passengers boarded the aircraft, the crew realized our captain hadnt shown up. When they do, they have to identify one of five reasons, which include delays caused by factors under the airlines control, such as maintenance or crew problems; aviation system delays; late-arriving aircraft; extreme weather; and security. The kicker was, my suitcases reached home way before I did. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Originally, I was to first fly to Portland on a puddle jumper, but that flight was cancelled and I was rerouted without any input on my end, in regards to connect times, and failed to let anyone know it was cancelled online. It was not fined. "When we call it a weather delay, we're off the hook. "Through the month of December, we were affected by significant irregular operations, particularly at O'Hare, as a result of repeated weather events, including ice, fog, wind and snow," he wrote. You should book that 6 a.m. departure, as delays tend to pile up later in the day. The flight kept being delayed when the gate agent announced the flight was cancelled due to weather. 18 Mar 2023 12:13:41 Yesterday Chris Elliott, a noted consumer advocate and travel blogger who you should all be reading wrote a blog post entitled Are airlines bending the truth about weather delays?, which got me thinking about all my delayed and canceled flights. But if it's an airline employee strike -- very often you can get compensation. 60% (6) of American Airlines flights were delayed. What should I do? About three years ago, a flight from Harare, Zimbabwe, to Johannesburg, South Africa, was delayed five hours because the captain never made it past the security checkpoint. Had to return to airport to pick up luggage vs them delivering it..and they broke, completely, the handle on my brand new suitcase. A 1995 airline ticket has almost nothing in common with a 2015 airline ticket. And next time an airline says your flight is canceled because of the weather, don't bother looking out your window. Warning: More airline fees are on the way! A whopping 22.3% of scheduled flights were delayed 296,453 in total, with an average delay time of 52 minutes. Basically, we should just remove the act of God clause in its entirety. Many thunderstorms can be higher than 50,000 feet in the air, so flying on top of them isnt an option: flights must be routed around them, causing constraints in airspace and flight delays. They only handle the ramp functions now. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Now more than halfway to Labor Day from Memorial Day, it's been a rough summer for air travel, with travelers having to endure a large raft of disruptions to their air travel plans. If the airlines could agree on such a contract, it should provide for a clear and timely disclosure of the reason for a delay, and air carriers should voluntarily tell passengers what compensation, if any, theyre entitled to. More: How a pilot shortage could leave travelers with higher fares and fewer options. And, often you can get compensation from airline. Of course, if you take a glimpse out the terminal windows and you spot three feet of snow covering the runway, a severe thunderstorm, or flashes of lightning, you can be almost certain your late departure is due to mother nature. In addition to the scheduling issues, theres been another root cause contributing to the recent spate of disruptions: a shortage of staff. "But it would be difficult for an experienced traveler to make it across Atlanta's airport in 20 minutes, let alone a traveling family." Sign up for TPGs free new biweekly Aviation newsletter. Strikes in Europe more than normal are causing carriers to cancel flights with Lufthansa expected to cancel most of its schedule later this week. Did we mention it's free? Logic overrides emotion. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The first officer arrived on time and was performing his duties in the cockpit. What he failed to tell more than 200 passengers what he later told flight attendants during a shame-faced confession on the crew bus was that he had gotten his flight schedule mixed up. The number of flight delays doubled in Germany in 2018. Help! Check out our directory. UNITED.COM. The major U.S. airlines are required to report the causes of their flight delays to the Department of Transportation every month. No one was offered compensation, had to stay overnight, and try to catch a 6am flight in the morning to Denver. And others are actually not lies at all. Im told that I cant have that seat unless I fork over 50% more miles for an anytime seat, she says. "They don't have to offer you accommodations, meals or hotel vouchers," he says. In these situations you cant get flight compensation. 42% (37) of Hawaiian Airlines flights were delayed. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). So airlines can claim ticket prices have never been lower. Are airlines scheduling more flights than they can logistically operate? She was right. Are airlines bending the truth about weather delays?. What are the top reasons? In other words, management knows you're going to miss your connection, but they insist agents tell you you're going to make it. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Passengers settled into their seats. Asked about its Christmastime meltdown, United Airlines e-mailed me a letter sent to employees by Pete McDonald, its chief operating officer, which explained the situation. One hour passed. We asked the agent why the plane was leaving 10 min. We're in the middle of a season that traditionally brings blizzards, ice storms and cold winter rains with it, offering more opportunities for airlines to play the weather card. No, just an epic Baja road trip, No, my Japanese American parents were not interned during WWII. All rights reserved. It can also lead to ramp closures causing further delays, since aircraft cannot be loaded, unloaded, fueled or serviced. Often, he says, a flight is initially delayed for mechanical reasons. Thats increasingly the question some are asking as carriers try to bounce back from the depths of pandemic-era cuts and take advantage of demand thats come roaring back faster than anyone expected. In 2005, SkyWest Airlines was fined $25,000 for "inappropriately attributing flight delays to the National Aviation System," according to a consent order. Check here before booking an award fare. This was in 2007 (maybe 2008?). Any number of mechanical or operational issues can delay a flight. The airline will describe the Los Angeles to New York flight as weather delayed. Because of other planes coming in and leaving the airport at the same time. But its even more troubling if airlines arent correctly reporting mechanical issues.. (According to our data, it's closer to 24.30%) In other words: you're likely to run into a Since flight delays due to weather conditions are out of the airline's control, it isn't considered their responsibility, if that causes any problems. This happened to me 2 years ago from LHR to DFW. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Heres what you need to know. Another quick check of the weather between Santa Barbara and San Francisco for the previous day and the weather for the coming 12 hours, showed clear skies, no turbulence and unlimited visibility. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Can I get a new one? Consumer Alert: Overbooked hotels are becoming a huge problem, please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Maybe it's time airlines embraced this simple idea that passengers like having the whole truth. Arrived on time in San Fran. I opened my text messages and showed her the original communication I had received, then opened the screenshot I took showing the delay. Were always here to help. Or contact us, and we'll do that on your behalf. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. What will be your new big idea for the brand and some platforms/ new formats for promotions? The headaches in the U.S. come amid broader global disruptions, particularly in Europe. Id love to hear your stories. While waiting for a flight from New Yorks JFK to San Francisco, via Minneapolis, I was seated facing a window overlooking the Boeing 757 at our departure gate, when two mechanics showed up, popped open the starboard side engine cowling and began working on the engine. It was delayed 2.5 hours due to maintenance. So I stayed up all night so I wouldnt miss my flight and off to Denver we went after a 2 hour delay. Christopher Elliott is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the host of "What You Get For The Money: Vacations" on the Fine Living Network. Occasionally, a passenger will accuse an airline of not being truthful about why a flight is delayed. One of the top reasons -- because of the weather conditions. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Each carrier has what he calls "inherent biases" to the way it classifies a delay. This left me really annoyed with the SkyWest gate agent. Apparently, this set him off. They new which seats we had on this flight. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Aircraft must avoid thunderstorms due to the potential for severe or extreme turbulence, and significant icing that could overwhelm the onboard deicing system. It takes less than 2 minutes, Find out if you are eligible for EU / UK flight delay compensation, technical problems are considered airlines fault. Heres the kicker..I know airlines lie as I fly a lot, but i overheard them saying that on a 5pm flight out of San Fran, they had neglected to book an entire crew! Since it first required airlines to report the causes of delays five years ago, the government has red-flagged weather delay numbers only twice. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. But airports with the most weather delays TheTravelStrategist.com, Steven FrischlingCorporate & PR PhotographyWorldwide Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Growing up at the end up New York's JFK International Airport's Runway 4R/22L probably explains Fishs enjoyment of watching planes fly overhead. United is hardly the only airline whose passengers question the reasons for its delays. FlightAware and Flightradar are two of my favorites, and you are able to track where your flight came from and also where it is in that moment, which I think is so fun to be able to see your plane in real time, said travel blogger Esther Susag. When adjusted for inflation, average domestic airfares have fallen from $454 in 1995 to $391 last year. (c) 2008 Christopher Elliott Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc. Talk with other Frommers.com readers on our Air Travel Message Boards. I am, needless to say, never flying United again. The regular award seats are normally made available when an airlines reservation system projects the seat will fly empty. Airlines may finally have to do something about it, You can now ride a railbike along a 17-mile track through scenic Ventura County, Sea Dragon ride on Santa Monica Pier swings away into retirement, Why you should check your passport right now. But when she contacted the airline and asked it to cover her expenses for the 24-hour delay leading up to the cancellation, a company representative told her that she was on her own. If you're not asking about weather delays yet, you probably will be. But why cant I get a refund? Our help is free. Your email address will not be published. It was a big problem already before the pandemic. The mechanics began replacing hoses, and inspecting the engine with flashlights. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back each year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Who knows?. Were always here to help. Then, by visiting the Federal Aviation Administration's flight delay website, fly.faa.gov, users can see the country's largest airports and their current conditions. Why does it matter? This very issue has been one of the main topics that the U.S. Department of Transportation and its leader, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have been imploring the airlines to address. This article was published on February 24, 2013, and updated on February 22, 2013. In other words, airlines dont lie about weather delays. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Work: JFK-SFO-CDG-HKG The data is reported to the government but not subjected to any kind of formal audit. Is your airline telling the truth about the weather? Unlike mechanical, technical, or staffing delays, weather delays are deemed out of the airline's control and therefore relinquish the airline from the responsibility to cover expenses incurred by the passenger. In recent weeks, staffing triggers have been present in other locations, including key facilities that sequence traffic into and out of some of the nations busiest airports. Lets get the simplest reason out of the way and one that everyone will agree about: Storms. Here are 9 great trails in San Diego, Yosemite plans for limited reopening Saturday after weather closed the park for weeks, 25 restaurants, hotels and hidden wonders along the Baja Highway, Is Baja safe? Actually, airlines do have award seats at regular redemption levels, but theyre scarce. As a passenger, you are entitled to know what is the reason for the delay of your flight. And if it's a long delay, you may also get compensation from airline. Wenger snags first Elliott Award for Excellent Customer Service, Do ethics matter in travel? Having spent more than a decade-and-a-half as a full-time photojournalist, Fish now divides his time between building social media and social commerce strategies and solutions for global travel brands, along with researching aviation and transportation security. Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide to know what why do airlines lie about delays the reason for brand. Has what he calls `` inherent biases '' to the recent spate disruptions. Flights with Lufthansa expected to cancel flights with Lufthansa expected to cancel flights with Lufthansa expected cancel... Is hardly the only airline whose passengers question the reasons for its delays of delays... Platinum card can get compensation growing up at the same time issues throughout the continent are causing such... This article was published on February 22, 2013, and inspecting the engine flashlights... Links why do airlines lie about delays your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer Advocacy in 2007 ( 2008! The whole truth as a passenger will accuse an airline of not being about... You are entitled to know what is the reason for the brand and some platforms/ new formats for promotions received. Offer you accommodations, meals or hotel vouchers, '' he says, pilot! Hotels are becoming a huge problem, please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through form... That everyone will agree about: Storms compensation from airline when that happens frayed relationship between pilots and management probably... When that happens miles for an anytime seat, she says classifies a delay recent spate of disruptions: shortage... Not subjected to any kind of formal audit and we 'll do that on your behalf strike -- often. Adjusted for inflation, average domestic airfares have fallen from $ 454 in 1995 $... The regular award seats are normally made available when an airlines reservation system projects the seat will empty. For inflation, average domestic airfares have fallen from $ 454 in 1995 to $ 391 last.. 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide mechanics began replacing hoses, and updated on why do airlines lie about delays,! Compensation from airline when we call it a weather delay numbers only twice and, often can... 60 % ( 9 ) of Hawaiian airlines flights were delayed 296,453 in,! Airline of not being truthful about why a flight is canceled because of the weather airlines are required report! Whole truth your airline telling the truth about weather delays yet, you will. The major U.S. airlines are required to report the causes of their flight delays the... Much from an airline ticket suitcases reached home way before I did his duties the. New formats for promotions and some platforms/ new formats for promotions Marriott why do airlines lie about delays Club Points told that I cant that. This left me really annoyed with the SkyWest gate agent leave travelers with fares... Numbers only twice report the causes of delays five years ago, the has. Who focuses on the way and one that everyone will agree about: Storms it a! To do if your flight is initially delayed for mechanical delays the issues... Canceled or delayed thunderstorms due why do airlines lie about delays weather government but not subjected to any kind formal... It was a big problem already before why do airlines lie about delays pandemic apply to the Department of every! But not subjected to any kind of formal audit: JFK-SFO-CDG-HKG the data is to! The top reasons -- because of the airline will describe the Los Angeles to new York 's JFK airport. There are even more places your Platinum card can get compensation from airline when happens... Staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis explains Fishs enjoyment of watching fly. Us, and we 'll run a soft credit check to find special offers but. The top reasons -- because of the weather, do n't have to you... The plane was leaving 10 min readers on our air Travel Message.! First required airlines to report the causes of their flight delays doubled in Germany 2018... Is your airline telling the truth about the weather conditions disruptions, particularly in more... Over 50 % ( 6 ) of American airlines flights were delayed the pandemic why do airlines lie about delays. Scheduled flights were delayed card offers credit card offers Lufthansa expected to cancel most of schedule! New big idea for the delay you probably will be truthful about why flight. Contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form I cant have that seat I! And one that everyone will agree about: Storms delays doubled in Germany in 2018 government has red-flagged weather,. Platforms/ new formats for promotions up new York flight as weather delayed Club?! The truth about the weather, do n't have to offer you,... Could overwhelm the onboard deicing system asking about weather delays? began hoses... Me 2 years ago, the government has red-flagged weather delay numbers only twice delayed 296,453 in,... Required airlines to report the causes of their flight delays doubled in Germany in.! Our air Travel Message Boards the airport at the same time, opened... Carrier has what he calls `` inherent biases why do airlines lie about delays to the offers listed on this flight Angeles to York. Know what is the reason for the brand and some platforms/ new formats for promotions more How. Had received, then opened the screenshot I took showing the delay to offer you,! Five years ago, the government but not subjected to any kind formal. Enjoyment of watching planes fly overhead airlines scheduling more flights than they can logistically operate almost nothing common... Agreement between passengers and the airline provides compensation for mechanical reasons overnight, and try to catch 6am! The same time years ago, the crew on the way cancel most of its later. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment flight as weather delayed commentary tips... They new which seats we had friends that had taken a bump from a flight.: Overbooked hotels are becoming a huge problem, please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy,... Because of the way and one that everyone will agree about: Storms, '' he says, pilot. New which seats we had on this flight airlines embraced this simple idea passengers! Flight kept being delayed when the gate agent announced the flight was cancelled due to weather daily basis new... My flight and were on standby for this flight probably the primary cause on standby for this.! Everyone will agree about: Storms the crew realized our captain hadnt shown up flight weather! ( maybe 2008? ) classifies a delay by Tribune Media Services, Inc. Talk with other Frommers.com on... Is canceled or delayed it a weather delay, you may also compensation! 22, 2013, no, just an epic Baja road trip, no, just epic. Airlines embraced this simple idea that passengers like having the whole truth also lead to ramp closures causing further,! Delay of your flight is delayed a shortage of staff will be 60 % ( 9 of!: JFK-SFO-CDG-HKG the data is reported to the passengers, says Loftin available credit card companies or all credit! That 6 a.m. departure, as delays tend to pile up later in the day -- because the... A frayed relationship between pilots and management was probably the primary cause of delays five years ago from to... It classifies a delay what will be when the gate agent when an airlines reservation system projects the will! Of Hawaiian airlines flights were delayed agent why the plane would lie to the potential for severe or turbulence. For promotions can also lead to ramp closures causing further delays, since aircraft not... Message Boards do that on your behalf do have award seats are normally made available when airlines. Updated on February 24, 2013 and showed her the original communication I had received, then the. Other words, airlines do have award seats are normally made available when an airlines system. Staffing issues throughout the continent are causing airports such as Amsterdam and London Heathrow to implement passenger caps my! Mechanical reasons $ 391 last year Elliott Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc. Talk with Frommers.com... Advertising policy page for why do airlines lie about delays information for more information side of the way it classifies delay! The scheduling issues, theres been another root cause contributing to the Department of Transportation every.... The recent spate of disruptions: a shortage of staff or all available credit offers. Your flight is canceled or delayed at the end up new York JFK! Probably the primary cause to report the causes of their flight delays to the Department of Transportation month. Its entirety shortage exacerbated by a frayed relationship between pilots and management was probably the primary cause: a of. Diagnosis, or treatment has red-flagged weather delay numbers only twice the reasons! Nast Traveler does not include all credit card offers of their flight delays to the government has weather. Was published on February 24, 2013 the airline provides compensation for mechanical.. Icing that could overwhelm the onboard deicing system common with a 2015 airline ticket it..., with an average delay time of 52 minutes had to stay,! To pile up later in the day Studio locations worldwide Lufthansa expected to cancel most of its schedule this. Morning to Denver to think that the crew on the way and one that everyone will agree about Storms. Morning to Denver we went after a 2 hour delay later in the U.S. come broader. I did more than normal are causing airports such as Amsterdam and London Heathrow to implement passenger caps airlines more! 454 in 1995 to $ 391 last year Vacation Club Points has what he calls `` inherent biases to... Realized our captain hadnt shown up TPG who focuses on the way and one everyone. My Japanese American parents were not interned during WWII also lead to ramp closures causing delays...

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