As inclement weather has taken its toll on many travelers these last few months,Travel Leaders Group put together a list of 11 travel tips that will help you to travel during inclement weather conditions.

 

1. Skip the first and last flights

If you're traveling during seasons with a high likelihood of inclement weather, you may want to avoid the first or last flight of the day since these flights have a higher frequency of being canceled, depending on the start and end time of the storm.

 

2. Take advantage of travel waivers

Often airlines will issue travel waivers that allow you to rebook your ticket away from the affected dates at no additional charge. You can monitor that.

For the largest airlines, check here:

Delta Airlines
United Air Lines
American Airlines
British Airways
Virgin America Policies

 

3. Get travel advisories or weather alerts delivered to your phone

There are several apps that allow you to receive email or text message notifications from your airline about your flight's status like weather.com app and Travel Leaders CONNECT.

4. Reroute a connecting flight

There are times the weather in your departure city and at your destination is clear, but weather in your connecting city is less than desirable. If that happens, travel agents will reroute the connection flight through an airport with no delays.

 

5. Avoid booking flights at the ticket counter

If you must buy a new ticket, avoid doing so at the airport ticket counter, or else you will likely pay a higher rate. Your travel agent will book it, even if you are standing in an airport.

 

6. Consider larger airports and travel light

If you suspect there may be severe weather threats during your time of travel, consider flying from a larger airport. Larger international airports will have a greater chance of more alternate flights, and they are also better equipped to clear runways faster or with de-icing of a plane. If you travel with only a carry-on, you'll be in a better position to change flights quickly in the event of a cancellation.

7. Book a room early if you're facing an overnight delay

If it seems weather conditions will keep you from getting to your final destination that same day, it is important to make a room reservation for an overnight stay as soon as possible. A travel agent who has built relationships with hotels should be able to help find you a room so that you're not sleeping on an airport cot with stranded travelers.

 

8. Sign up for travel insurance

For those instances where you may miss a flight because you were stuck in traffic or your ship sailed without you when your flight was canceled or delayed, travel insurance can be your saving grace to recoup all or part of your travel investment.

 

9. Stay on the main roads

If you're driving between destinations, stick to major highways or well-traveled roads. Travel also during daylight hours or when car repair shops or convenience stores are more likely to be open. If you're stranded in your vehicle for an extended period, run your engine for only a few minutes once or twice an hour to stay warm and conserve gas. While the car is running, be sure to slightly roll down a window to keep carbon monoxide from building up inside.

10. Pack an emergency travel kit

Whether you're driving, flying or traveling by rail, prepare for possible delays with a few essentials. Pack a small bag with an extra sweater, gloves or small throw, as well as water and high-energy or high-protein foods such as granola bars or beef jerky. You may also want to pack a toothbrush and toothpaste, a change of underwear and any needed prescription medications. Remember also a flashlight, extra batteries, or phone charger, a first aid kit and a good book.

 

11. Book with a travel agent

Travel agents are trained to monitor situations like winter weather that may impact their clients' travel plans

For more information visit travelleadersgroup.com