Over 1,000 Dallas-Fort Worth flights delayed or canceled. Here’s what to do if yours is
Over 1,000 flights into and out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport have been delayed or canceled since Sunday, and flying has been a headache for travelers who now have to make new plans.
Airlines are saying the nationwide travel issues are because of an employee shortage caused by the rise in coronavirus cases. Travelers experienced 399 delays at DFW Airport on Sunday, 360 on Monday and 158 delays on Tuesday according to FlightAware. On top of that, 70 DFW flights Sunday, 91 on Monday and 49 on Tuesday were canceled. And travel changes might continue throughout the week, with seven Wednesday and Thursday flights already canceled.
“Everyone’s doing their best and the airline employees are really trying to get you where you want to go,” said Andrea Ballard, a travel adviser with Sanders Travel Centre.
Even with the omicron variant causing a likely COVID-19 surge in Texas, holiday travel has rebounded to nearly pre-pandemic levels. Nearly 9 million Texans will have traveled at least 50 miles between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, according to AAA Texas, 32% more Texans than did in 2020.
Navigating obstacles like cancellations or delays can be confusing, but this guide will help you navigate them so you can get home safely. Here’s what you need to do if your flight gets changed, according to travel adviser Ballard.
It’s always good to be up to date
Before you head to the airport, continually monitor your flight for any changes. That way, you’ll know ahead of time if there’s been a cancellation or delay and you can plan accordingly. Usually, it will take the airline longer to notify you of the change.
“Know that everybody’s trying to do their job well, and to keep you safe,” Ballard said.
Make sure to keep some backup clothes in your carry-on because you won’t get the luggage you checked in back if your flight gets delayed or canceled until you arrive at your destination.
If your flight has been delayed, Ballard recommends still showing up at the gate at the time your flight’s booked because it can switch to on-time at the last minute. Or, they might be able to put you on another earlier flight.
“I have seen people miss their flight because they’re thinking they’re delayed, they’re taking their time. But their goal is to get you to your destination. And so if they can make up any of that time, they will,” she said.
What to do if you’re already at the airport
If you’ve already made your way to the airport, try to speak with an agent at any gate. You don’t have to speak with the agent at your gate, just go to one with the least number of people at their desk so you don’t have to wait.
If you’re delayed overnight, an airline agent should give you a voucher that covers meals and your stay at a hotel for the night. Usually, they’ll have a shuttle to the hotel that can also take you back to the airport.
If there’s only one long line, get on the phone with the airline while you’re in line.
You might also be able to get on an earlier flight on a neighboring airport, like Dallas Love Field.
The faster you can respond, the better
Anytime an airline cancels a flight, there are 100 or more people on that flight trying to get their flight rebooked. So Ballard recommends taking action as soon as your flight gets canceled. After you notice the cancellation, immediately call the airline or your travel agent so you can find accommodations more quickly.
You might have to wait a while because of high call volume and reduced employee availability. Ballard says the best time to call the airline is late at night or first thing in the morning because the line will be less busy then.
And try calling before emailing, Ballard recommends, as they’ll be much more responsive on the phone. While you’re on hold, try to also text, email or chat with a customer service representative.
If you have a friend or family member in a frequent-flyer program, have them call the airline for you. Their loyalty points might get you bumped to the front of the queue.
Know what you’d like to be booked on
Before you talk to the airline, look up flight times and try to figure out which flight you’d like to be rebooked on. Or, if you’re on hold for a long period of time, search on the airline’s website for a flight so that you know before you get connected with a customer service representative.
If you rebook your flight at the same airline, they should take care of any difference in the fare pricing.
If your fight is canceled, and you can’t get on something else on that same airline, Ballard says you are entitled to a refund. Because of limited availability, you might have to book a pricier last-minute flight with another airline.
When you’re rebooking and have a connection, give yourself some time in between so that you don’t miss your flight if your last one gets delayed. Get to the airport two hours before a domestic flight and four hours before an international flight.
This story was originally published December 27, 2021 at 6:07 PM.
