Setting strategies for shutdowns and maybe future ones.
Many Americans, including air travelers, like to ignore politics these days. Unfortunately, politics don’t ignore us.
At the time of writing, the current government shutdown has lasted over a month, and now Department of Transportation head Sean Duffy has ordered airlines to start reducing schedules.
Travelers United is amazed that many of the flyers have no idea how hard airlines are working.
So what’s a traveler to do? Especially when “just stay home” doesn’t feel like an option. You need strategies for shutdowns.
When staying home isn’t an option.
- If you have a travel agent, book air travel via them. Now, at this point, most agents who book air are already working nights and weekends, so they may be reluctant to take on new clients. But it doesn’t hurt to ask if you know someone, or can get a referral. In some cases busy agents may have coworkers who can assist. But with flight schedules so up in the air, an agent who has computer access to all airlines, and to special help desk phone numbers, can be a lifesaver. (Some of us know tricks, too.)
- Agents also may have access to after-hours phone numbers. While these
numbers can get backed up, they may still be better than trying to reach an airline or standing in an endless airport line. Now, we CANNOT change bookings made directly with an airline, but we might be able to book you a new ticket if your airline can’t get you to your destination or close enough to get a ride. - Another strategy is to check if OTAs have a human help line or an after-hours number. If you booked online through an OTA (Online Travel Agency), these numbers can get backed up, but might be better than the alternative.
- Many airlines have waivers for changes. This means you can go online (or call if you can get through) and change your flight to add extra connection time. Perhaps you can fly to a less-affected airport (San Jose instead of San Francisco, Burbank instead of LAX, etc.). The list of affected airports can change, though.
- Ask about last-minute changes. If you’re at the airport and haven’t changed your flight but see that it’s delayed, airlines tend not to be proactive with offering alternatives. But a waiver does apply on the day of departure if there is space available (you need to do this with carry-on, or before you check luggage). Most waivers are “cabin to cabin,” which is a good phrase for travelers. It means if you booked a discounted coach and there are any coach seats left, you can generally have them.
- Consider buying a day pass to your airline’s airport lounge, if available. If you’re absolutely stuck, can’t reach anyone, and the lines look hours long, these airport lounges have good reservation agents inside. Plus, the lines are generally shorter. These passes are also available through frequent-flyer miles.
- Please be patient and appreciative. Whoever you want to blame for this mess, it’s NOT the rank-and-file airline or travel agency employees. A little thanks goes a long way.
- Try flights later in the day. Many airlines are substituting wide-body planes to supplement regional planes. If you can find these planes, you may be late, but it is better than being out of luck.
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Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
