It is a good idea to be proactive when the departure board lights up with delays and cancellations. Getty Images Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Question 1 of 8 Booking flights with connections ... Decreases the chances for cancellations or delays. Increases the chances for cancellations or delays. Makes no difference as far as cancellations or delays. It’s important to stay updated on weather and flight information to help you plan for potential delays or cancellations. Question 2 of 8 When it comes to avoiding delays and cancellations, which is more advantageous? Booking flights earlier in the day with a direct carrier Booking flights later in the day with a direct carrier “Once a few cancellations happen, the domino effect means a higher percentage of later flights will be delayed or canceled,” Zach Griff, senior airline reporter for The Points Guy, told AARP. Question 3 of 8 True or false? There’s little your travel agency can do if you booked through it and things go wrong during your trip. True False “We can connect with the right people to rebook a flight that’s canceled,” Limor Dector, travel adviser at the Embark Beyond travel agency, told AARP. Question 4 of 8 True or false? The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to give a full refund if a flight gets canceled — for any reason. True False Airlines may try to offer travel vouchers instead of a refund, but you do not have to accept them instead of cash. In April, the DOT issued a rule that requires airlines to automatically provide passengers with cash refunds when they are owed. Unlock Access to AARP Members Edition Join AARP to Continue Already a Member? Login Members only
Question 5 of 8 You’re facing a major flight delay. According to travel experts, should you ask your airline for help or just wait it out? Ask for help Wait it out Be prepared for little or no compensation, especially in case of weather delays. “But it can’t hurt to ask” for assistance, Griff said. Question 6 of 8 According to an expert we interviewed, which of these is better for avoiding airline delays? A direct carrier (such as American Airlines or United Airlines) A regional partner (such as American Eagle or United Express) It makes no difference. Parent airlines tend to get priority for airport access and staffing, Griff told us. Question 7 of 8 Think you might make a last-minute flight change? You should ... Avoid checking luggage and carry on a bag. Go ahead and check a bag if needed; airlines are great at rerouting luggage. Using a carry-on makes you more nimble to grab a replacement flight; checked baggage sometimes gets left behind when there’s a late change in plans. Question 8 of 8 Your flight has been canceled at the last minute. You put together a replacement itinerary that you propose to an airline representative. According to Griff, is that a good idea or a bad idea? Good idea Bad idea “It can speed up the process and give you an option you actually want,” he told us. Submit Quiz You have unanswered questions. Please go back and complete those questions to finish the quiz. 0 Correct 0 Incorrect Oops...something went wrong. Please log out and log back in to continue.
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