Weather-related flight delays and cancellations can be a cumbersome experience that disrupts a passenger’s entire schedule. One such instance is fog situations which lower the visibility level and hinders the smooth functioning of aircraft.
Fog creates poor visibility close to the ground level, making it hard for the pilot to attain a safe and sound landing. However, some basic yet vital information must be noted to help passengers deal with delays and cancellations due to fog.
This article outlines significant facts about fog-related cancellations and delays about passenger rights, timelines, and solutions. Read on to learn more about how to take care of your time and comfort during such situations.
How to Get Notified If Your Flight is Delayed/Cancelled Due to Fog
Passengers should focus on receiving first-hand information related to delays and cancellations at the earliest to plan their schedule accordingly. Though weather updates and wintertime create a sense of possibilities, passengers can follow the general flight trends across the country to get a broader image of the ongoing situation.
Additionally, passengers can manually check the status of the designated flight 24 hours before departure. The airline’s official website is the right place to trace credible information rather than waiting for the airline authorities to inform you.
Passengers can opt for notification updates while they make the booking or download the mobile app of a specific airline to access quick information and updates instead of tiring themselves around the airport boards.
Essential Points to Keep in Mind to Protect Yourself from Fog Delay or Cancellation
- In the United States, airlines are not entitled to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled due to fog because weather conditions are considered an extraordinary situation and airlines have no control over the situation.
- The Department’s guidelines around flight delays and cancellations apply only to flights that operate to, from, or within the United States. However, passengers flying between or within foreign countries, for example, from the US to India, may be protected from flight delays and cancellations by the laws prevalent in India.
- It also depends on the operating airlines’ guidelines and whether passengers opt for a domestic or international flight.
- Some airlines take special care of the rights of their passengers during flight delays and cancellations due to fog. For example, Air India has an initiative called FogCare that notifies passengers on the app to reschedule their flights to or from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi in case of a predicted fog situation. Alaska Airlines sometimes renders flexible bookings to passengers without charging any extra money in case of fog-affected flight delays.
- No laws mandate the airlines to provide passengers with monetary or other compensation when their flights are delayed or canceled due to fog. Each airline comprises its own set of rules and policies about how to deal with delayed situations. For instance, if the flight is delayed, some airlines cover the expenses of the passenger’s meal and stay until the departure, while some may not offer such facilities. Hence, checking the airline guidelines before making the reservation is advisable, especially if you are likely to travel in the winter months.
- If the flight gets canceled, passengers can ask the airline to arrange a seat on another flight at the earliest. However, airlines often offer this option in case of cancellations. But passengers need to keep in mind that changing flights and airlines becomes difficult and time-consuming if you’re already done with baggage check-in. Hence, passengers need to keep a tap if there are any chances of prolonged delay before baggage check-in to avoid the hassle.
- In the case of connecting flights, if the flight is delayed due to a fog situation at its starting location, passengers can opt for rebooking options online or at a kiosk in the airport. They can reach out to their preferred airline and inquire about the same.
- If passengers want to cancel a booking due to prolonged delay and expect a refund, then a smart way is to opt for booking refundable tickets when you sense a probability of delays by following the recent air travel and weather trends in your country.
- There are many travel credit cards that extend trip delay insurance. Passengers can save money by making use of these cards during booking. They cover all expenses while passengers wait for a delayed flight. This may include food, hotel room, transport, and more.
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When to Reach the Airport if the Flight Is Delayed Due to Fog
If the passengers receive notification from the airline about the delay and the rescheduled time, they can plan their schedule accordingly. However, if they lack proper information regarding the departure time, it is best to reach the airport at the initially scheduled time. As in many cases, there is a temporary ground stop which is lifted as soon as the weather improves.
It is important to be decisive in the face of delays and cancellations to keep control of your schedule. Passengers who are likely to make a rebooking in the face of delay or cancellation need to be prompt to avoid price hikes and lose out on available options for the day.
In case of delays for a short time, passengers with access to airline clubs and lounges can use the spot to relax and re-strategize their plans.
Mostly fog-related cancellations and delays follow a trend. Passengers can note the ongoing travel trend of all flights from the designated airport or the weather conditions at the flight origin location. This will help them plan their travel in a better way.
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