Snow snafu suggestions

02-19-2006

The record-setting snowstorm that raked up the East Coast last Sunday shut down airports from Richmond to Boston, snarling air traffic for 24 hours and stranding thousands of travelers, many of them overnight.

This winter has been a relatively mild one, and air transportation systems have steadily widened the window in which planes can operate, but serious storm flight delays are always a winter possibility. What do you do when your travel plans are suddenly put on hold?

First rule: Home is always the best place to ride out a storm. That's why savvy travelers give the airlines a contact phone number or e-mail where they can be reached with news of last-minute schedule changes. They check the status of their flights before heading for the airport, and arrive early in anticipation of longer lines. During declared weather emergencies, airlines always allow travelers to re-book flights without penalty after things get back to normal.

That's good, because the airlines provide almost no other material assistance for travelers delayed by weather at the airport.

The fact is, airlines do not guarantee their schedules, and they are not required to assist or compensate passengers for flights delayed or canceled by bad weather or other causes deemed beyond their control, collectively known as force majeure. Compensation is required only if a flight delay results from an airline action or if the passenger is bumped from an oversold flight. With no federal requirements, each carrier sets its own policy. As a general rule, however, few carriers do much for weather-stranded travelers other than book them on the next available flight, recommend a nearby hotel and provide them with a phone call or two. Traveler's Aid and airport ambassador programs may also be able to provide some logistical assistance, but after that, passengers are essentially on their own.

So what do you do when you're in an airport near the end of the day, and snow piling up outside is causing flights to be serially postponed? In these circumstances, there are three concerns.

Most passengers first try to figure out alternative flight arrangements, but that may not be possible under the immediate circumstances. Instead of joining a long line at the gate or ticket counter, you may be better off phoning your travel agent or the airline's central reservations number to make changes.

However, if it seems even slightly possible that you won't get out that night, a better first move might be to get a reservation at a nearby hotel. Sometimes, airlines can offer recommendations and even special rates at selected local lodgings, but realize that a big storm can quickly fill available rooms. Still, while the airline probably won't reimburse you for the room, at least you won't be sleeping in the terminal.

Some credit card companies, such as American Express, offer optional per-trip delay insurance for journeys purchased on their cards which will provide up to $200 in hotel charges per night for stranded travelers.

Remember that you probably won't be able to get your checked luggage for the night, so it's wise to keep a kit of toiletries, medicines and other emergency items in your carry-on bags. And expect to be back at the airport for an early flight the next morning.

If you have no other option than spending the night in the airport, make sure you're fueled and hydrated. Food and drink at airports go fast during weather emergencies, so instead of standing in a ticket line, first scout around for provisions.

Few airports stock cots and blankets for overnight emergencies, but according to JoAnn Jenny, communications director for Pittsburgh International, they're discussing establishing an emergency overnight assistance program here.

Still the supply of basic comforts at any airport will probably be limited. So try to find a quiet, warm place to stretch out and get some sleep. Finally, if you happened to include a light, fleece blanket and an inflatable pillow in your emergency kit, you'll be very glad.

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