And so it begins again… The first winter storms of the 2015-16 season have already dumped feet of snow from California’s Sierra Nevada into the Rockies and the Midwest to the Great Lakes. Whether you love it or hate it, winter weather invariably impacts thousands of travelers every year. Knowing how to react during a weather delay can make the difference of getting the next flight out or reenacting a scene from Planes, Trains and Automobiles. We can’t control Mother Nature, so if you expect to travel any time before spring, you need to know what to expect when winter storms affect travel.

When Winter Storms are Imminent

Register for Airline Alerts – When winter weather is impending and you have upcoming flight arrangements, one of the best ways to stay informed is to sign up for alerts directly from the airline you will be using. All of the major airlines offer updates on delays, cancellations and schedule changes via text or email. This puts information in your hands as soon as it is announced. If the airline automatically rebooks your flights, they will let you know that also and you only have to adjust any appointments at your destination.

We’re Already on It – Covington Travel also receives notifications directly from airlines and other travel vendors of potential situations (not limited to winter weather) that may affect travel. We reach out to our travelers to let them know that they may be impacted or, if they are already affected, to offer alternative travel options. It is our goal to proactively protect your travel arrangements whenever possible, to minimize your inconvenience.

When the Worst Happens

If you encounter a flight delay or cancellation while in transit, immediately head for the airline customer service desk to get protected on another flight. Act quickly at the first sign of flight interruption because the other two hundred people on your flight will be doing the same thing.

Call Your Lifeline – Continue waiting in line physically, but also make a phone call that might get you rebooked faster than the line is moving. During Covington office hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.) call our offices for assistance. After hours, Covington travelers can call the 24-hour emergency service listed at the bottom of your airline itinerary. Travel Maestro tip: For questions about vacation, cruise or land arrangements, you’ll need to contact Covington during office hours.

Have Realistic Expectations – Understand that during a major weather event, hundreds of flights and many thousands of passengers can be affected. Know that you are probably going to encounter extended hold times when calling our after-hours emergency service, as they manage a high call volume during such situations. Calls are answered by a queue system (answered in the order received), so calling on multiple phones only further ties up the lines.

You may be tired and frustrated from the rigors of the delay, but remember, so are fellow passengers, airline employees and call centers, so try to be patient and remain pleasant.

Covington Travel is here for you from the initial trip planning stages all the way through your return home. If we can help anywhere along the way, please contact us.