Why Are Only Some Flights Canceled Due to Bad Weather?
When the weather is far removed from apocalyptic conditions, a lump can form in your throat once you realize it could affect your next travel plans. Rather than catching your flight at the scheduled time, you can only imagine delay after delay and more time spent waiting at your airport’s Starbucks or in Aunt Anna’s pretzels.
Ever wondered why all flights are not canceled in bad weather? Well, as it turns out, this is a calculated game on the part of the airlines. In a story for Afar, writer Barbara Peterson explained in detail why only some flights are delayed or canceled due to bad weather, and why you might end up on one.
While safety is a top concern for airports (as it should be), airlines also decide when to cancel or delay flights based on aircraft and crew availability and maintenance requirements. Sounds simple enough; bad weather may delay the arrival of the crew on the scheduled flight, or the aircraft may require ice removal prior to takeoff, both of which may cause delays. The algorithm probably takes over most of the decision-making process, but airline personnel are also responsible for making tough calls from time to time.
From here, airlines can consider two things: the impact on consumers and, as you’d expect, their bottom line. The airline may delay the flight due to its complete cancellation, for example, ultimately in their own interests (translation: they want to save your money as best they can).
“And when it comes to the micro level, considerations such as the number of“ valuable passengers ”on a flight or whether a large group of people are going on a cruise or an important event can influence the decision about whose plans will be implemented. be violated, ”one travel expert explained to Afar. There are, of course, exceptions; Two weeks ago, a ground stop was announced in Chicago O’Hare due to snow, which meant 689 flights were canceled and airlines probably had no say in the matter.
How often does airline staff interfere? Well, we don’t know, but if your flight is canceled and another flight to the same destination is not, you have reason to believe that the decision was made either by the algorithm or by the airline itself.
If you suspect your flight may be delayed or canceled, possibly due to a snowstorm outside your window, enable receiving notifications of your flight status on the airline’s website and download your airline’s app now as a safety precaution. It also doesn’t hurt to call your airline if you’re unsure of its status. And if you think a cancellation is imminent, explore the alternatives now. Once the cancellation is announced, you can contact your airline to request alternatives.