Summer 2022 Travel nightmare thread

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wonder if it' going to get better or worse?


American cancelled all of their flights this morning from DCA to BOS. Arrived at 0500 for my flight--cancelled. All of them. Couldn't get on another airline, all booked. BWI-booked. IAD--booked. Next flight wasn't until 5 pm, so just came home.

THis just sucks.

My flight to Denver got canceled last night, as did the flight this morning. They rebooked me for Sunday. I decided to take that flight since I’m a teacher and have flexibility. If it wasn’t to see family I’d cancel altogether. Our big family vacation is a road trip and I’m happy with that choice.

Is this on Southwest? They have a flight at 10 PM tonight out of BWI to DEN with one seat left for sale.

Thanks, It's Frontier and I have a kid with me. It was a really frustrating process because they told us before we deplaned that we were all booked for the 7am flight, then when we got there, no flight existed. They could have texted! instead we were autobooked on a Sunday flight with no notice

They have a one-stop BWI-DEN Friday at 5 PM with at least two seats on it.

But will need to call or contact them via Twitter. Could take a while.

General point is that you don't necessarily have to take whatever the system automatically gives you during irregular operations- generally you can get on any flight that has seats. But you have to check and then actually get an agent to put you on the flight. Takes time and effort

I understand. It's not worth it to me to take a non-direct flight from BWI when I live in Arlington. I hope someone else from my flight does get those seats though!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All this definitely sounds like nightmares for sure! Makes me worried about a trip to NYC I have planned for September!

I drove from Florida to Virginia and back in April and it cost me about $450 just for gas. Even so, at least my departure and arrival times were more or less up to me! Thank God no car trouble or horrible traffic woes!

In your situation I'd take the train!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wonder if it' going to get better or worse?


American cancelled all of their flights this morning from DCA to BOS. Arrived at 0500 for my flight--cancelled. All of them. Couldn't get on another airline, all booked. BWI-booked. IAD--booked. Next flight wasn't until 5 pm, so just came home.

THis just sucks.

My flight to Denver got canceled last night, as did the flight this morning. They rebooked me for Sunday. I decided to take that flight since I’m a teacher and have flexibility. If it wasn’t to see family I’d cancel altogether. Our big family vacation is a road trip and I’m happy with that choice.

Is this on Southwest? They have a flight at 10 PM tonight out of BWI to DEN with one seat left for sale.

Thanks, It's Frontier and I have a kid with me. It was a really frustrating process because they told us before we deplaned that we were all booked for the 7am flight, then when we got there, no flight existed. They could have texted! instead we were autobooked on a Sunday flight with no notice

They have a one-stop BWI-DEN Friday at 5 PM with at least two seats on it.

But will need to call or contact them via Twitter. Could take a while.

General point is that you don't necessarily have to take whatever the system automatically gives you during irregular operations- generally you can get on any flight that has seats. But you have to check and then actually get an agent to put you on the flight. Takes time and effort

I understand. It's not worth it to me to take a non-direct flight from BWI when I live in Arlington. I hope someone else from my flight does get those seats though!

Not letting you off that easy! (although I understand). 2 seats on Saturday 7 AM Frontier nonstop DCA-DEN are available.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wonder if it' going to get better or worse?


American cancelled all of their flights this morning from DCA to BOS. Arrived at 0500 for my flight--cancelled. All of them. Couldn't get on another airline, all booked. BWI-booked. IAD--booked. Next flight wasn't until 5 pm, so just came home.

THis just sucks.

My flight to Denver got canceled last night, as did the flight this morning. They rebooked me for Sunday. I decided to take that flight since I’m a teacher and have flexibility. If it wasn’t to see family I’d cancel altogether. Our big family vacation is a road trip and I’m happy with that choice.

Is this on Southwest? They have a flight at 10 PM tonight out of BWI to DEN with one seat left for sale.

Thanks, It's Frontier and I have a kid with me. It was a really frustrating process because they told us before we deplaned that we were all booked for the 7am flight, then when we got there, no flight existed. They could have texted! instead we were autobooked on a Sunday flight with no notice

They have a one-stop BWI-DEN Friday at 5 PM with at least two seats on it.

But will need to call or contact them via Twitter. Could take a while.

General point is that you don't necessarily have to take whatever the system automatically gives you during irregular operations- generally you can get on any flight that has seats. But you have to check and then actually get an agent to put you on the flight. Takes time and effort

I understand. It's not worth it to me to take a non-direct flight from BWI when I live in Arlington. I hope someone else from my flight does get those seats though!

Not letting you off that easy! (although I understand). 2 seats on Saturday 7 AM Frontier nonstop DCA-DEN are available.

As well as 6:49 PM DCA-DEN and 12:52 PM BWI-DEN on Saturday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wonder if it' going to get better or worse?


American cancelled all of their flights this morning from DCA to BOS. Arrived at 0500 for my flight--cancelled. All of them. Couldn't get on another airline, all booked. BWI-booked. IAD--booked. Next flight wasn't until 5 pm, so just came home.

THis just sucks.

My flight to Denver got canceled last night, as did the flight this morning. They rebooked me for Sunday. I decided to take that flight since I’m a teacher and have flexibility. If it wasn’t to see family I’d cancel altogether. Our big family vacation is a road trip and I’m happy with that choice.

Is this on Southwest? They have a flight at 10 PM tonight out of BWI to DEN with one seat left for sale.

Thanks, It's Frontier and I have a kid with me. It was a really frustrating process because they told us before we deplaned that we were all booked for the 7am flight, then when we got there, no flight existed. They could have texted! instead we were autobooked on a Sunday flight with no notice

They have a one-stop BWI-DEN Friday at 5 PM with at least two seats on it.

But will need to call or contact them via Twitter. Could take a while.

General point is that you don't necessarily have to take whatever the system automatically gives you during irregular operations- generally you can get on any flight that has seats. But you have to check and then actually get an agent to put you on the flight. Takes time and effort

I understand. It's not worth it to me to take a non-direct flight from BWI when I live in Arlington. I hope someone else from my flight does get those seats though!

Not letting you off that easy! (although I understand). 2 seats on Saturday 7 AM Frontier nonstop DCA-DEN are available.

The 7am must have just sold out!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wonder if it' going to get better or worse?


American cancelled all of their flights this morning from DCA to BOS. Arrived at 0500 for my flight--cancelled. All of them. Couldn't get on another airline, all booked. BWI-booked. IAD--booked. Next flight wasn't until 5 pm, so just came home.

THis just sucks.

My flight to Denver got canceled last night, as did the flight this morning. They rebooked me for Sunday. I decided to take that flight since I’m a teacher and have flexibility. If it wasn’t to see family I’d cancel altogether. Our big family vacation is a road trip and I’m happy with that choice.

Is this on Southwest? They have a flight at 10 PM tonight out of BWI to DEN with one seat left for sale.

Thanks, It's Frontier and I have a kid with me. It was a really frustrating process because they told us before we deplaned that we were all booked for the 7am flight, then when we got there, no flight existed. They could have texted! instead we were autobooked on a Sunday flight with no notice

They have a one-stop BWI-DEN Friday at 5 PM with at least two seats on it.

But will need to call or contact them via Twitter. Could take a while.

General point is that you don't necessarily have to take whatever the system automatically gives you during irregular operations- generally you can get on any flight that has seats. But you have to check and then actually get an agent to put you on the flight. Takes time and effort

Also, nowadays "gardening your reservation" is more important than ever.

https://andystravelblog.com/2021/09/19/covid-travel-skills-gardening-your-reservations/

Check the airline flight status page before you leave from home for the airport. Check your reservations daily in the week before departure, and weekly before that. Stuff like that. Simply put, don't count on their communications, you need to be proactive.

Yes, this is honestly what I do regularly. I'm nervous about it. I fly to Portugal in 2.5 weeks. It seems like the issues with waiting in lines have improved there with a new system put in place. I'm certainly nervous about all of that and covid prior to leaving. I also am nervous if my flight changes, they could put my kids alone and that would be horrible as they are very young. I intentionally picked seats when we reserved months ago 2x2.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wonder if it' going to get better or worse?


American cancelled all of their flights this morning from DCA to BOS. Arrived at 0500 for my flight--cancelled. All of them. Couldn't get on another airline, all booked. BWI-booked. IAD--booked. Next flight wasn't until 5 pm, so just came home.

THis just sucks.

My flight to Denver got canceled last night, as did the flight this morning. They rebooked me for Sunday. I decided to take that flight since I’m a teacher and have flexibility. If it wasn’t to see family I’d cancel altogether. Our big family vacation is a road trip and I’m happy with that choice.

Is this on Southwest? They have a flight at 10 PM tonight out of BWI to DEN with one seat left for sale.

Thanks, It's Frontier and I have a kid with me. It was a really frustrating process because they told us before we deplaned that we were all booked for the 7am flight, then when we got there, no flight existed. They could have texted! instead we were autobooked on a Sunday flight with no notice

They have a one-stop BWI-DEN Friday at 5 PM with at least two seats on it.

But will need to call or contact them via Twitter. Could take a while.

General point is that you don't necessarily have to take whatever the system automatically gives you during irregular operations- generally you can get on any flight that has seats. But you have to check and then actually get an agent to put you on the flight. Takes time and effort

Also, nowadays "gardening your reservation" is more important than ever.

https://andystravelblog.com/2021/09/19/covid-travel-skills-gardening-your-reservations/

Check the airline flight status page before you leave from home for the airport. Check your reservations daily in the week before departure, and weekly before that. Stuff like that. Simply put, don't count on their communications, you need to be proactive.

Yes, this is honestly what I do regularly. I'm nervous about it. I fly to Portugal in 2.5 weeks. It seems like the issues with waiting in lines have improved there with a new system put in place. I'm certainly nervous about all of that and covid prior to leaving. I also am nervous if my flight changes, they could put my kids alone and that would be horrible as they are very young. I intentionally picked seats when we reserved months ago 2x2.

They are not going to seat young kids alone. Calm down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wonder if it' going to get better or worse?


American cancelled all of their flights this morning from DCA to BOS. Arrived at 0500 for my flight--cancelled. All of them. Couldn't get on another airline, all booked. BWI-booked. IAD--booked. Next flight wasn't until 5 pm, so just came home.

THis just sucks.

My flight to Denver got canceled last night, as did the flight this morning. They rebooked me for Sunday. I decided to take that flight since I’m a teacher and have flexibility. If it wasn’t to see family I’d cancel altogether. Our big family vacation is a road trip and I’m happy with that choice.

Is this on Southwest? They have a flight at 10 PM tonight out of BWI to DEN with one seat left for sale.

Thanks, It's Frontier and I have a kid with me. It was a really frustrating process because they told us before we deplaned that we were all booked for the 7am flight, then when we got there, no flight existed. They could have texted! instead we were autobooked on a Sunday flight with no notice

They have a one-stop BWI-DEN Friday at 5 PM with at least two seats on it.

But will need to call or contact them via Twitter. Could take a while.

General point is that you don't necessarily have to take whatever the system automatically gives you during irregular operations- generally you can get on any flight that has seats. But you have to check and then actually get an agent to put you on the flight. Takes time and effort

I understand. It's not worth it to me to take a non-direct flight from BWI when I live in Arlington. I hope someone else from my flight does get those seats though!

Not letting you off that easy! (although I understand). 2 seats on Saturday 7 AM Frontier nonstop DCA-DEN are available.

The 7am must have just sold out!

Yup- gone now. That's the thing about this sort of situation- huge benefit to moving quickly as soon as things go south, grabbing whatever you can immediately. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

And on this note, United will be trimming 50 domestic flights/day through Newark in order to improve their operations. If you have a flight through there, you should check your reservations for changes over the next few days.

https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/united-cuts-flights-newark-effort-reduce-delays-85587233

International flights do not appear to be affected.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wonder if it' going to get better or worse?


American cancelled all of their flights this morning from DCA to BOS. Arrived at 0500 for my flight--cancelled. All of them. Couldn't get on another airline, all booked. BWI-booked. IAD--booked. Next flight wasn't until 5 pm, so just came home.

THis just sucks.

My flight to Denver got canceled last night, as did the flight this morning. They rebooked me for Sunday. I decided to take that flight since I’m a teacher and have flexibility. If it wasn’t to see family I’d cancel altogether. Our big family vacation is a road trip and I’m happy with that choice.

Is this on Southwest? They have a flight at 10 PM tonight out of BWI to DEN with one seat left for sale.

Thanks, It's Frontier and I have a kid with me. It was a really frustrating process because they told us before we deplaned that we were all booked for the 7am flight, then when we got there, no flight existed. They could have texted! instead we were autobooked on a Sunday flight with no notice

They have a one-stop BWI-DEN Friday at 5 PM with at least two seats on it.

But will need to call or contact them via Twitter. Could take a while.

General point is that you don't necessarily have to take whatever the system automatically gives you during irregular operations- generally you can get on any flight that has seats. But you have to check and then actually get an agent to put you on the flight. Takes time and effort

Also, nowadays "gardening your reservation" is more important than ever.

https://andystravelblog.com/2021/09/19/covid-travel-skills-gardening-your-reservations/

Check the airline flight status page before you leave from home for the airport. Check your reservations daily in the week before departure, and weekly before that. Stuff like that. Simply put, don't count on their communications, you need to be proactive.

Yes, this is honestly what I do regularly. I'm nervous about it. I fly to Portugal in 2.5 weeks. It seems like the issues with waiting in lines have improved there with a new system put in place. I'm certainly nervous about all of that and covid prior to leaving. I also am nervous if my flight changes, they could put my kids alone and that would be horrible as they are very young. I intentionally picked seats when we reserved months ago 2x2.

They are not going to seat young kids alone. Calm down.

Lol. This happens all the time!

[Anonymous]

To share a positive story, I flew LGA-CLE today with no problem. Plane left on time, landed early. Of course, the downside is that I'm now in Cleveland for the next 4 days

[Anonymous]

Our flight last Friday was cancelled 4 hours before with zero alternatives. We ended up cancelling the tickets altogether and make the 10 hour drive to/from. Not pleasant.

And yes they will 100% seat kids alone. If you and your snowflakes don't want to pay to choose your seats and get spread apart they have a waitlist a mile long once you opt to get off the plane and take another flight. If one exists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, nowadays "gardening your reservation" is more important than ever.

https://andystravelblog.com/2021/09/19/covid-travel-skills-gardening-your-reservations/

Check the airline flight status page before you leave from home for the airport. Check your reservations daily in the week before departure, and weekly before that. Stuff like that. Simply put, don't count on their communications, you need to be proactive.

We have a flight to Canada next week and I’ve been checking it daily. If it gets cancelled or significantly delayed we will drive as the contingency plan.

[Anonymous]

OP here.
We finally got to our destination, 4 days late. I got to spend a total of 3 days here instead of 7.
Tomorrow morning I am leaving the kids with Dad and starting my 4 legs home. The first 3 I am not too worried about - there do not appear to be as many issues with domestic flights inside of the country I traveled to. The 3rd leg is the international flight to Houston, which is probably also safe. The 4th leg is from Houston to IAD. Wish me luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry, OP. That sounds incredibly frustrating and stressful. Traveling with kids can be difficult enough when everything goes well! Good luck getting it sorted out soon.

Not airline related, but our summer travel woe is that Yellowstone closed the day before we were supposed to arrive. 10 days in the park, booked a year in advance, trip of a lifetime, down the drain. But, hey, at least it closed the day before we arrived and we didn't get stuck in 500-year floods! Other travelers had it far worse.

can u get ur money back?