How to Manage Flight Delays and Travel Disruptions Right Now

Flight delayed? Canceled? Or just stuck in travel limbo wondering what to do next? You’re not alone. With the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cutting air traffic by 10% at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports because of staffing shortages tied to the federal government shutdown, travel disruptions are piling up fast. They are taking a phased approach – 4% reduction starting yesterday (a bestie flew from LaGuardia to O’Hare yesterday and her flight was 4 hours late leaving LGA so slowdowns have indeed begun!), ramping up to 10% by next Friday (November 14^th).  Further compounding the situation? Air traffic controllers are about to miss their second paycheck (November 12), which could worsen the situation. Even under normal circumstances, travel can be stressful — but right now, it’s chaos.

 

As someone who’s logged almost two million miles as a Delta Diamond, I’ve learned the secret to staying sane when flights delays and travel disruptions hit: control what you can, plan for what you can’t, and keep your cool when everything else falls apart. This post lays out exactly how to manage flight delays and travel disruptions right now — with a little strategy, a lot of patience, and a touch of Val-style humor. Good luck out there!

 

Before You Travel – Smart Moves to Stay Ahead

 

Should You Fly Right Now?

Ask yourself if you really, truly need to fly right now. With the FAA’s 10% air-traffic reduction and the ripple effects that come with it, travel right now isn’t for the faint of heart. If the meeting can be handled virtually or rescheduled, consider it. The best way to handle chaos at the airport is not to be there in the first place.

That said, I totally get that you may HAVE to fly… I’m in the same boat, read on for some helpful tips…

 

How to Pack and Prepare Before You Leave for the Airport

Now’s the time to pack light and bring your bag onboard. I know that’s tough (I love outfit options too!), but a carry-on gives you control — especially if you change flights. If you check a bag and switch airlines, it must be pulled manually, and that’ll tank your timing. Take a picture of your luggage (in case it goes its own adventure) and drop an Apple Airtag or tracker inside — even in your carry-on if there’s a chance you’ll gate-check it. Finally, charge every device before you leave for the airport — outlets fill up fast when flights are delayed.

 

How to Spot Red Flags Signaling a Flight Delay

How to manage flight delays and travel disruptions starts by recognizing the warning signs that your flight might be affected:

• Flying through major hubs
• Connecting flights
• Peak travel times
• Already seeing delays at your departure airport

If you check three of the four bullet points, you’re probably going to be affected so it’s time to proactively take the reins to try to minimize the impending challenges.

 

How to Reroute Your Flight to Avoid Big Airports

If you must fly, think creatively about your route. First, if there is a direct flight, try to get on that route (I know, connecting flights are cheaper BUT if you really need to arrive and there is room on a direct flight, now may be the time to suck it up and pay the extra $).

 

Another option I’ve used many times: consider using a smaller airport or alternate departure point. While the FAA is finalizing its official list, outlets like Reuters and FlightAware have already identified many affected hubs.

 

Before you fly, call your airline and ask, “Is there another nearby airport (smaller or less busy) that has your same route?” If so, see if you can be re-booked at that alternate airport — it might cost a fee, but it can mean arriving on time instead of sleeping at Gate B14. Bigger hubs are under heavier pressure right now; smaller airports often have fewer cascading issues and may offer a clearer path forward. Bonus: keep a short list of alternate airports in your phone notes as part of your ‘pre-travel insurance’ plan.

 

Val’s Tip:  As a frequent flyer with Delta (Million Miler, Diamond status), I can tell you that Delta doesn’t have many non-stops out of New Orleans — and with the hot mess unfolding at major airports across the U.S., I’m looking at other airlines to avoid connecting through Atlanta. Sometimes loyalty takes a backseat to logistics.

 

What to Know About Alternate Airports and Plan B Travel Options

Call your airline and see if you can move to an earlier flight (preferably the first flight out). Even if it costs you a change fee or fare difference, it may be worth it. Earlier departures typically have fewer cascading issues as the plane arrived the night before — giving you a better chance of reaching your destination before the delays start stacking up.

 

Have a backup plan: know what other airlines serve your destination (or nearby) – when you absolutely have to get to your destination, booking a second “just-in-case” flight may be a great option (buy a first class refundable flight in case your original flight goes). If you’re within a reasonable drive — say four to six hours — consider a rental car. Cars disappear fast once cancellations start rippling through airports. A quick pivot to the highway can save an entire day — and your sanity.

 

Val’s Tip:  I live on Delta’s app. There’s a feature called “Find My Plane” that lets me see exactly where the incoming aircraft is. Last month, while flying out of Raleigh, I saw my plane was delayed long before the airport announced it — which let me jump onto another flight before everyone else started scrambling. Knowledge is power, and in travel, it’s leverage.

 

How to Build a Smart Travel Schedule

Build buffer time into your schedule. Let key stakeholders know you may face delays and how you’ll communicate updates. Stack your calendar strategically: schedule key meetings for the day after you travel. Let’s be honest — the ‘fly in and head straight to the meeting’ era has been gone for a looonngg time.

 

How to Use Credit Card Benefits to Your Advantage

If you don’t already have a premium travel credit card with built-in protections, now’s a smart time to explore your options. Look for one that offers trip delay or interruption insurance, lounge access, and reimbursement for certain travel fees. Even if you don’t need the credit, having it on hand for travel emergencies can be a life-saver in the moment.

 

Quick RIGHT NOW Action List Before Going to the Airport

• Download your airline’s app TODAY
• Screenshot your current reservations
• Check if your credit card has trip interruption insurance
• Sign up for flight alerts
• Research alternate airports near your destination

During Travel – How to Stay Calm and In Control

 

How to Save Time at the Airport

Another reason to download the airline app is so you can check-in 24-hours before your flight. If you’re not checking luggage, you can go straight to the security line. One less line to stand in is a good thing!

How to Get Through Security with Your Sanity Intact

Arrive early – like SUPER early! And bring your patience with you — it’s going to be rough, folks. Use TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry if you have them. If not, sign up now (approvals are taking months, but it’ll help later). Even if you fly infrequently, having at least TSA PreCheck is worth it to help avoid those massive lines. If you have to check your bag, do so at the outside kiosks (have a few dollars with you to tip the person – I always feel weird if I don’t and I worry my bag will be “misplaced”).

 

What To Do When Delays Hit

When travel delays happen, how you react determines everything. I’ve already mentioned you should be watching your origin flight even before you get to the airport. If it’s not on your airline’s app, check FlightAware as you can see where your incoming aircraft is. If it’s still on the ground in another city, you know early that you’ve got a problem. That’s your signal to start exploring other options before the masses catch on.

 

Walk straight to the gate agent (before the crowd builds) and politely ask, “What’s the next confirmed departure time?” Gate agents often have updates long before they hit the screens (although gate agents can also get a bit surly once things start to go south!).

 

Now, if there is a line to chat with the gate agent, I strongly recommend while you’re standing in line, call the airline as well just in case you get them on the line before making it to the front of the line. I also recommend using your airline’s chat function as that can be faster than waiting for in-person or telephone support.

 

If you’re looking at an extended delay, this is the time to get strategic. Buy a day pass to an airport lounge if you don’t already have access. It’s a quiet, comfortable place to work, recharge, and breathe. Many travel credit cards reimburse lounge fees for delays — check your benefits and save the receipts.

 

Another option if you’re stranded: take advantage of your downtime and talk to the folks promoting credit cards at the terminal. In Delta’s hubs, there’s almost always someone offering the airline’s co-branded card. Since you’ve got time to kill anyway, ask what benefits they offer for situations like the one you’re currently in. Some cards provide trip delay insurance, lounge access, or reimbursements that could help you immediately — and they often throw in bonus miles if you sign up right then!

 

And if you’re within a 4–6 hour drive (or can fly into a nearby airport), consider renting a car to finish the trip. This is where all that earlier prep around alternate airports pays off.

 

Val’s Tip:  There’s a point where waiting it out just doesn’t make sense. If you can get to your destination faster by driving or rerouting, go for it. I once rented a car in Charlotte and drove to Atlanta when my flight was stuck for six hours — and I still made my meeting before everyone else’s plane even took off!

 

How to Handle a Canceled Flight – With Strategy, Not Stress

Seeing “canceled” pop up next to your flight can make your stomach drop — but this is your cue to act fast, not panic. Your best move is to immediately pull up your airline’s app or website to rebook yourself. It’s often faster than waiting for an agent. You can also reach out via the airline’s chat support or telephone — those channels often move quicker than the in-person lines. This may be another motivator for buying a day pass to a lounge – they can assist with any flights cancellations or delays as well (without as much competition for their attention).

 

Ask directly about the next available flight, and don’t be afraid to inquire about rebooking through another carrier if it gets you there faster (Be polite but firm, and ask directly: “What’s the next available option, even on another carrier?”). If you choose not to wait for a later flight, U.S. Department of Transportation rules entitle you to a full cash refund — but you must request it. Don’t settle for a voucher unless it truly works for you

 

Let me say that again as it’s a fairly new travel policy: The Department of Transportation is requiring airlines to offer full refunds (not just vouchers) even for non-refundable tickets if people choose not to fly!!!

If you’re stuck overnight, politely ask if your airline offers hotel or meal vouchers. Even if they say the delay was due to weather or staffing, it never hurts to ask. If they don’t offer one, use your travel credit card — many provide trip interruption coverage that reimburses for meals, hotels, and transportation.

 

Airport hotels can fill up fast when hassle hits and booking directly often gives you the best cancellation flexibility. Before you book a hotel in a disruption scenario, call the property directly and ask two key questions: (1) How full are you right now? (2) What’s the latest time I can cancel without penalty? If the hotel says they have plenty of rooms and your fee-free cancellation window is 24–48 hours before arrival, you might hold off on committing until your flight path is clear.

 

Seeing “canceled” pop up next to your flight can make your stomach drop — but this is your cue to act fast, not panic. Your best move is to immediately pull up your airline’s app or website to rebook yourself. It’s often faster than waiting for an agent. You can also reach out via the airline’s chat support or telephone — those channels often move quicker than the in-person lines. This may be another motivator for buying a day pass to a lounge – they can assist with any flights cancellations or delays as well (without as much competition for their attention)

 

Val’s Tip:  Screenshot everything — your flight status, rebooking attempts, meal receipts, hotel confirmations — anything that could help you get reimbursed later. Most travel credit cards require documentation, and you’ll thank yourself when you’re filing that claim from the comfort of home instead of the chaos of Gate B14.

 

How to Lead Through Travel Chaos

Stay calm and professional. Your response is part of your leadership brand. Anyone can get flustered when flights are grounded — but the professionals who stay composed, think ahead, and make smart pivots? Those are the ones people trust.

 

Your ability to adapt in chaos sets the tone for everyone watching — from your team to your travel companions.

 

Closing Thoughts

You didn’t rise to leadership so that travel delays could knock you off your game. With the right preparation, you can turn disruptions into opportunities — to demonstrate composure, problem-solving, and strategic thinking under pressure.

After all, leadership isn’t tested when everything goes smoothly — it’s revealed when nothing does.

Prepare ahead. Travel wisely. Lead confidently.