10 Things I Do Before Every Flight To Avoid Travel Nightmares

I was recently stranded for 4 days trying to get home to northern Michigan from a weekend in Tampa, Florida. Nearly 3 feet of snow closed my hometown airport, and flying or driving back was not an option.

Weather delays and cancellations, long security lines, air traffic control issues, and aircraft mechanical problems have become the norm. It’s wise to expect disruptions and prepare for them.

I needed every bit of preparedness to navigate the disruption, but I finally succeeded in getting home with minimal pain. Here are 10 things I always do before leaving home to prepare for the worst.

1. Book Early Morning Flights

When possible, book morning flights. Booking flights later in the day diminishes or eliminates your options for reaching your destination on alternative flights.

For example, you book a 3 p.m. flight with a connection scheduled to arrive at your destination at 10 p.m. Flight cancellations or delays could cause a missed connection, and there may be no other flights arriving at your destination that evening. Worse yet, you may incur the expense of a hotel room if the cancellation or delay is due to weather.

By booking a morning flight, you’ll have more options for reaching your destination should your flight be disrupted.

Hot Tip:

If you cannot book a morning flight, book the best option available and watch for a schedule change to your flight itinerary. When there is a significant schedule change, airlines typically allow you to switch to another flight at no charge.

2. Download the Airline’s App

Even if you’re an infrequent traveler, you should never leave home without the airline’s app on your phone. First, you can opt in to receive immediate flight alerts that notify you when there’s a delay, a gate change, or any other event that affects your trip.

If there is a disruption and your flight is delayed or cancelled, you can typically rebook yourself —for free — in the app. Rebooking in the app means you won’t have to spend time on the phone with the airline or waiting in line at customer service.

3. Sign Up For Expedited Security Access

Signing up for expedited security programs such as CLEAR+, TSA PreCheck, or Global Entry is not something you can do last minute. However, if you have time, it’s a lifesaver in a busy airport.

However, there is 1 last-minute thing you can do when coming home from an international trip: download the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app (iOS, Android). You can include your entire family (up to 12 travelers) and use the expedited Mobile Passport Control lanes upon arrival in the U.S., available at most airports.

If you already have TSA PreCheck, check your boarding passes before you leave home to confirm the designation is listed. If not, log in to your airline profile to ensure your Trusted Traveler Number is correct in your reservation.

A mismatch is the most common reason TSA PreCheck doesn’t appear on your boarding pass, even if you have it. You can also call the airline for assistance before you leave, or visit the check-in desk for help.

4. Check for Airline Weather Waivers

If a storm is approaching, you can make an informed decision ahead of time to change your flight plans. Airlines typically post weather waiver alerts on their website, offering the option to change your flight at no cost.

Some of the best sites for free airport weather information are Aviationweather.gov, the myradar.com weather app, and airportweather.com. We also like flightaware.com for real-time weather and flight information.

Hot Tip:

For a fast and easy way to check your flight status, use Google. Enter the flight number (e.g., AA 5532) or the departure and arrival cities involved in a Google search, and you’ll receive immediate information.

5. Pack Essentials in a Carry-On

Recently, while stranded at Chicago O’Hare, I encountered a mom with 2 daughters who were stranded overnight as well. They had no extra clothes or toiletries. Worse yet, they had no coats to face the 20-degree weather outside as they were returning from Florida.

Even when you check your bags, always carry essentials. A change of clothes, basic toiletries, medication, and perhaps a power bank to charge your phone can be lifesavers if you experience a flight cancellation or miss your connecting flight.

6. Search for Alternative Flights To Reach Your Destination

Before you leave home, go to Google Flights and make note of alternative flights you can take if you experience a disrupted flight.

For example, let’s say I have a 7 a.m. American Airlines flight tomorrow morning. After searching for alternative flights, I find there are nonstop American Airlines flights at 2:37 p.m. and 5:44 p.m., and a flight at 8:11 a.m. with a connection. The connecting flight will get me to my destination the earliest, or I can select one of the nonstop flights.

When flights are canceled or delayed, availability for alternative flights fills up quickly. Knowing my flight options in advance helps me make a quick, informed decision about a new flight, whether in the app or at the gate.

7. Check TSA Wait Times

Arriving at the airport 3 hours before departure has long been the recommendation, but with the increased number of travelers, staffing shortages, and weather disruptions, it’s now more important than ever.

Downloading and accessing the MyTSA app (iOS, Android) can give you an idea of how long your TSA wait might be and help you plan your departure accordingly. You can also access the airport’s website, where TSA wait times may be posted.

8. Review Your Credit Card Travel Insurance Benefits

If your plans go as intended, you may not need the card information you used to book your flight. However, during a trip disruption, you may want to call to verify travel insurance benefits. Having your card handy, whether virtual or physical, is prudent should your flight be delayed or canceled.

Hopefully, you’ve paid for your trip with a credit card with adequate travel insurance to book your flight, either by using points or cash. That way, you’ll have access to any trip cancellation or interruption protection or trip delay coverage available on your card.

If you have time, you can also review the terms and conditions for these coverages in your card’s guide to benefits. You can find this information in your online card account or in the hard copy you initially received with your card. You can also review the documentation requirements needed to submit a claim.

Remember, it’s easier to collect receipts as you incur expenses than to gather this information after the fact. We like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card for its lower annual fee and its strong travel insurance benefits.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

9. Research Hotel Options in Advance

It’s a simple step, but researching hotel options in advance can save time if your flight is cancelled or delayed. The demand for hotel rooms surges during flight disruptions, and airlines typically don’t provide hotel accommodations or compensation for weather-related disruptions — only when delays or cancellations are “within their control.”

Having the hotel apps of major chains near your departure or connection airports downloaded can make the difference between securing an affordable hotel and not.

Keep in mind that last-minute hotel bookings are typically non-refundable, so don’t book a hotel room until you have confirmed your flight cancellation or are sure you will miss a connecting flight.

10. Know Your Airport Lounge Access Options

Airport lounges can be lifesavers during flight disruptions. Plus, their help desks can save you time and effort. If you have credit cards that include airport lounge access, be sure to carry those with you. Research lounge hours in advance and the entry requirements.

If you do not have cards with lounge access, research the lounges at the airports you’ll be transiting through to see whether day passes are available. While passes may not be valid when lounges are at capacity, knowing which lounges offer them can be valuable and may save you from checking each one in person.

Our favorite cards for airline lounge access are the Platinum Card^® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®.

BEST LOUNGE CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.  

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

 

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
• Access to Amex transfer partners
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

 

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

 

 

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

 

 

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

 

 

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Final Thoughts

Even if you’re well prepared, you could still end up stranded due to flight disruptions. However, advanced preparation gives you an advantage, staying calm, and making informed decisions that help you reach your destination.

We all hope our flights will be uneventful and we’ll reach our destination at the intended time. However, in today’s travel environment, that may be an unreasonable expectation. While you can’t control these events, you can take steps to minimize their impact on your journey.