20 Expert Flying Tips for Winter Weather

The nature of air travel means you’re always at the whim of the weather. This is especially true in the winter when massive storms can wreak havoc with your travel plans. We can’t change the weather, but we can certainly prepare for bad weather to affect our travels. These 20 tips will help keep you calm, fed and maybe even compensated for your delays.

/travel/photos/expert-flying-tips-for-winter-weather/ 16048

Getty Images

1 / 20

1. Arrive Early

The website Airfare Watchdog recommends getting to the airport early. This will significantly reduce your stress and will allow you extra time to make alternative plans if your flights are cancelled or delayed.

Getty Images

2 / 20

2. Choose Warm Connecting Airports

If you're booking a flight with a connection, try and pick an airport with more reliable weather.

Getty Images

3 / 20

3. Rebook Connections

If you're connecting and booked through an airport that may have problems, see if you can change the connecting airport.

Getty Images

4 / 20

4. Change Your Flight

If your flight is delayed or cancelled and you want to cancel your trip, Airfare Watchdog says you can ask for a refund or change your flights to another day.

Getty Images

5 / 20

5. Do Your Own Tracking

If you're worried about your incoming flight, you can use websites like Flightaware.com and Flightradar24.com to track it. Airfare Watchdog says that the data is often more reliable than what the airlines offer.

Getty Images

6 / 20

6. Pick Early Flights

Often it's the later flights in the day that are cancelled or delayed. Picking an early morning flight can help you hedge your bets.

Getty Images

7 / 20

7. Change Airports

For example: If Toronto is snowed in, but Ottawa isn't, see if you can hop a train and fly out of the other airport.

Getty Images

8 / 20

8. Pack Snacks

If there's a remote chance of getting storm-stayed at the airport, it's best to be prepared. Toss some healthy snacks and an empty water bottle in your carry-on. That way if you're stuck, you'll have some food and you can get water from the fountain for free.

Getty Images

9 / 20

9. Pack Cards

Being stuck in the airport for hours is no fun. Sure, your phone or computer can help pass the time - until the batteries die. But if you got a pack of cards, you can pass the time and meet new people. If you're shy, pack a good book.

Getty Images

10 / 20

10. Carry Chargers With You

If you're going to depend on electronics to kill time, put your chargers in your carry-on — that way you'll have them when the battery dies. And if you pack a multi-outlet tap, you can share one of the few outlets in the terminal without having to wait in line.

Getty Images

11 / 20

11. Bring Toiletries With You

Having a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant can be a lifesaver if you're stuck for hours. Remember to bring travel sizes that conform to security regulations.

Getty Images

12 / 20

12. Carry a Change of Clothes With You

A change of clothes in your carry-on is a good idea too.

Getty Images

13 / 20

13. Carry Important Phone Numbers

Make sure you have important phone numbers with you, in case you need to call the airline or inform your hotel that you're delayed.

Getty Images

14 / 20

14. Install Apps

Your smartphone should have apps for your airline, the airport, your hotel/resort and your travel agent. If you get stuck, you can book a hotel room instantly from your phone.

15. Make Sure There’s Room on Your Credit Card

Getty Images

15 / 20

15. Make Sure There’s Room on Your Credit Card

It's a good idea to have some room on your credit card in case you have to purchase a flight at the airport. You can worry about compensation later. Same thing goes for hotels.

Getty Images

16 / 20

16. Carry Cash

For the same reason that you should have room on your credit card, you should also have some cash for the little things. If you're stranded at the airport, you can count on the bank machines running out of money.

Getty Images

17 / 20

17. Know Your Rights

You have rights when things go wrong, and it will be of great help if you know them. The Canadian Government has a good primer on air passenger rights on their website.

Getty Images

18 / 20

18. Be Persistent

If you know you're entitled to compensation by the airline, be persistent. That doesn't mean being a jerk. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, but be kind. Showing solidarity with a frazzled airline employee who is also having a crappy day will go far.

Getty Images

19 / 20

19. Check Your Credit Card for Coverage

Didn't purchase travel insurance? You may still be covered. Airfare Watchdog advises you to check with your credit card company to see if you're entitled to compensation for delays and cancellations of flights booked with that card.