Travel tips for dealing with delayed or canceled flights

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – American Airlines’ technology issues early Christmas Eve presents the worst nightmare for people traveling to see family and friends this holiday season: delays and cancelations.

The airline resolved the issue within hours of the glitch, with the FAA lifting national ground stop Tuesday morning.

But whether it’s faulty technology, bad weather, or other issues, travelers should always be prepared for hiccups at the airport.

Melissa Sutton with Up ‘N Away Travels said if this happens to you, make sure you get your plans figured out with your airline before you leave the airport or try to switch to a different carrier.

“If this happens to you, always check the airline’s app, check the airline’s website, check your flight times,” Sutton said. “If you have used a travel agent, which I hope you will, they will have given you an emergency 24-hour phone number. Call them, see if they can help you. If you’re at the airport, don’t leave. Stay there.”

What help is available through the airline depends on which airline you’re traveling with and which airport you’re at. Each airport is equipped with different staff to help you adjust your plans if needed.

“If you’re at a big airport, all of the airlines have customer service counters. If you’re at a smaller airport, like Sioux Falls, go right to your gate agent and just tell them, ‘This is what’s going on. How can you help me?’ That’s again where the ‘be nice’ comes in,” Sutton said.

The United States Department of Transportation has set in place new rules that airlines have to follow if delays and cancelations are their fault. Sutton said those resources are important to have on hand as well.

Sutton said at the end of the day, all that matters is you making it to your destination. If that means plans need to change for that to happen, so be it. Just be ready to adapt.

“As long as you’re moving, and you’re on a plane and you’re going, the little things don’t matter. Don’t let them freak you out. If you end up in coach instead of comfort, that’s fine. If you end up connecting through Detroit instead of Dallas, that’s fine. Just get where you need to be,” Sutton said.

Sutton said the biggest thing to remember is when you’re working with airport or airline staff, be kind. Often times, these issues are out of their hands as well, and being patient will take you a long way.

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