Upcoming trip to check on elderly parents, flight questions

[Anonymous]

I have a flight next week. If ATC (not airlines) slows traffic due to insufficient staff and causes 3h+ waits, what happens? I understand airlines don’t have to compensate you (bc it is out of their control). Looking for thoughts on how long to wait before going home and/or renting a car instead.

[Anonymous]

Where are you flying to/from? That info should guide the responses/guidance.

Practically speaking, there is no magic 8 ball. You either wait patiently (if you run into issues) or you take control of your destiny and plan to drive.

I’m flying later this week because my destination is too far to drive. Hopefully my flights will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where are you flying to/from? That info should guide the responses/guidance.

Practically speaking, there is no magic 8 ball. You either wait patiently (if you run into issues) or you take control of your destiny and plan to drive.

I’m flying later this week because my destination is too far to drive. Hopefully my flights will be fine.

Agreed, if going to a smaller airport with few flights, I'd be more concerned. If you have a flight to say somewhere like...Omaha, maybe consider Kansas City instead (2.5 hour drive)?

[Anonymous]

DH flew last night IAD - SEA and was initially delayed by 90 minutes, then pulled away from the gate and was delayed 90 or so more minutes. The second delay was after sitting to the side/not taking off, a passenger got sick and they returned to the gate to let them off and clean the plane. So not sure what of that three hours was ATC/having to get back in a queue, etc. All in all, they departed 3+ hours late.

FWIW, he got to the airport more than 2 hours early and said security was fine....he was worried there would be delays in the TSA Pre line.

[Anonymous]

Do a carry-on bag only, one that goes under the seat. In case they are checking roller bags at the gate, you don't want to be separated from your bag in case you pivot to another plan.

On flight status, you can often track the incoming flight to see if it's delayed. You can often find a helpful airline person who will, unofficially, give you their opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where are you flying to/from? That info should guide the responses/guidance.

Practically speaking, there is no magic 8 ball. You either wait patiently (if you run into issues) or you take control of your destiny and plan to drive.

I’m flying later this week because my destination is too far to drive. Hopefully my flights will be fine.

10h drive to Michigan. I’ve done it for years but this supposed to be a quick back and forth trip. Not keen on driving that long and driving back two days later on my own.

[Anonymous]

pp, likely you could do a flight to Grand Rapids as well as Detroit. Same with Lansing. Stay flexible.

[Anonymous]

Statistically, it’s still more likely than not to be fine. Remember the news has to talk about something.

[Anonymous]

Track your AIRCRAFT. If your aircraft is not at your airport you will not fly - you’ll get an idea sooner basically tracking the plane’s previous flight than your own flight.
Also, some airlines are notorious for stringing passengers along in an abusive pattern, even letting them sit on the tarmac, when they KNOW the plane will not fly that day after about 5 one hour delays because now the crew timed out, and it’s late and there is no other crew. Goodbye! See you tomorrow! Your suitcase will spend the night somewhere on this airport. AA I’m looking at you! This practice should be prohibited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where are you flying to/from? That info should guide the responses/guidance.

Practically speaking, there is no magic 8 ball. You either wait patiently (if you run into issues) or you take control of your destiny and plan to drive.

I’m flying later this week because my destination is too far to drive. Hopefully my flights will be fine.

10h drive to Michigan. I’ve done it for years but this supposed to be a quick back and forth trip. Not keen on driving that long and driving back two days later on my own.

If flying say Delta to Detroit, I'd feel good about that, they have a ton of flights every day between DC and Detroit. If going to a smaller airport with fewer options, or flying Southwest with only 2 flights a day out BWI, I'd be a bit more worried.

But yeah most flights have been fine, for now.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, everyone. I’m a native of Detroit and have flown frequently there … under normal conditions. We are not living with normal conditions. The “doom” threat has increased. Even if the shutdown ends this week(end), I suspect things will be topsy-turvy for a bit. Grrr. I guess I’ll need to see what the situation is Monday and try to read the tea leaves then.

[Anonymous]

New update just now from DOT:

"air traffic in 40 key markets would be reduced by 10 percent by Friday if there was no resolution to the government shutdown before then...The F.A.A. is expected to announce what areas will be affected on Thursday."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH flew last night IAD - SEA and was initially delayed by 90 minutes, then pulled away from the gate and was delayed 90 or so more minutes. The second delay was after sitting to the side/not taking off, a passenger got sick and they returned to the gate to let them off and clean the plane. So not sure what of that three hours was ATC/having to get back in a queue, etc. All in all, they departed 3+ hours late.

FWIW, he got to the airport more than 2 hours early and said security was fine....he was worried there would be delays in the TSA Pre line.

Are you stupid?

Your story means nothing.

Flights are not going to be fine after this Friday. Try and follow along like an adult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone. I’m a native of Detroit and have flown frequently there … under normal conditions. We are not living with normal conditions. The “doom” threat has increased. Even if the shutdown ends this week(end), I suspect things will be topsy-turvy for a bit. Grrr. I guess I’ll need to see what the situation is Monday and try to read the tea leaves then.

OMG it is not ending this week what do you not understand.

Johnson is not reopeing the government til he is dam sure Epstein files can not be opened! And no way is he opeing before 2026

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where are you flying to/from? That info should guide the responses/guidance.

Practically speaking, there is no magic 8 ball. You either wait patiently (if you run into issues) or you take control of your destiny and plan to drive.

I’m flying later this week because my destination is too far to drive. Hopefully my flights will be fine.

10h drive to Michigan. I’ve done it for years but this supposed to be a quick back and forth trip. Not keen on driving that long and driving back two days later on my own.

If flying say Delta to Detroit, I'd feel good about that, they have a ton of flights every day between DC and Detroit. If going to a smaller airport with fewer options, or flying Southwest with only 2 flights a day out BWI, I'd be a bit more worried.

But yeah most flights have been fine, for now.

I’m going IAD-DTW on delta. I’m really debating whether to get an underseat carryon. I think that’s a good idea. I’m cleaning out some house stuff so I need extra clothes to change into. I’m a good packer so I’m not concerned that. The thought of my bag beinf checked at the gate then airport limbo for days (I mean who knows) is annoying. Especially if limbo is DTW. I need to get back here for my immediate family (issues here which is why my stay in Detroit is short).