With Labor Day weekend right around the corner, more people are going to be hitting the road and taking to the skies, so AAA is advising people to take care and prepare.
According to an informal regional survey of AAA members, 31% say they plan to travel for Labor Day weekend, but 49% will not. And 70% of those surveyed admit that inflation — including higher gas and air fare prices — played a role in their travel decisions.
Given the spate of recent flight cancellations and delays related to weather and staffing issues, AAA advises travelers to always have a plan B — and offers advice on coping with flight cancellations, delays, and luggage issues. AAA encourages travelers, including those looking forward to a Labor Day getaway, to sign up for text and email alerts from the airlines — and to check for delays and cancellations before leaving for the airport.
“Downloading your carrier’s app — as well as an app for an alternate carrier — is a step all travelers should take and may provide you with the best tool for rebooking a flight as expeditiously as possible on your phone,” said Patti Artessa, Regional Director of Public and Government Affairs at AAA. “Having that app handy, and using it quickly, could help you avoid a long delay.”
There are also important steps flyers can take to minimize the impact of flight delays and misplaced luggage.
“Catching the first flight in the morning and packing a carry on bag rather than checking a bag can help travelers avoid delays and lost luggage,” said Cyndi Zesk, Vice President of Travel at AAA Northeast. “And purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment is now more important than ever.”
AAA highly recommends booking trips with a trusted travel advisor. A travel advisor can help rebook a flight after a cancellation and will help travelers find the right travel insurance for their trip. AAA also urges travelers who fly domestically to get a REAL ID if they haven’t already done so. And for anyone traveling abroad, check well in advance to make sure your passport isn’t expired.
