Stormy Weather!

A winter storm is heading your way, and there’s no getting out of its path!  Winter has arrived and is in full force.  Winter brings with it many fun activities, and the first fallen snow is always a beautiful sight.  The only crinkle is our travel plans because trips are not weather proof. 

What should you do if you come face to face with a winter storm?  Here are the Travel Bags With Annita tips and steps for getting to your destination during the winter months

General Tips:

1. During winter months stay on top of weather conditions and use the internet and mobile apps to keep up-to-date on what’s coming toward your destination and heading to your hometown.  It’s best to check both because the weather on either end can cause delays, cancellations, and headaches.
2. Social media is a great way to receive up to the minute details on the weather at your destination.  On Twitter, follow weather sources such as the Weather Channel and your local station for info and advice.
3. Pack according to where you’re going, but if you’re driving through wintery weather, pack for the just in case too!  Same applies for flights.  A canceled flight can mean you need to overnight in a snowy destination, you will need a scarf and hat.  Pack it for “the just in case.”
4. Mobile apps that keep you up to date on weather, flight delays/cancellations are a must and help maintain the stress down and information current.
5. I always recommend travel insurance, but read it carefully to ensure you are clear on what to expect with delays, cancellations, and re-routing due to weather.  Check and double check to see if weather-related cancellations are covered.
6. Make sure your car is ready to get you to the airport on time!  Batteries are strong, tires are available, and windshields are cleared. 

Flying Tips:

1. Book non-stop flights when possible to reduce your chances of delays, cancellations, and re-routing.  When non-stops are not possible, a direct flight with only one stopover is the most likely flight to keep you heading to your destination. 
2. Carefully consider your routing.  You may be headed to sunny Mexico, but your flight takes you through snowy Chicago.  Areas known for heavy winter weather are prepared to handle the usual winter conditions.  Big storms that bring in more than the usual amount of snow can cause delays and cancellations at airports very accustomed to getting flights in and out during the winter.  
3. Book the first flight of the day or an early morning flight.  Early flights are less affected by problems with arriving flights and delays at other airports.
4. Weather-related cancellations exempt the airlines from compensating passengers.  Weather is considered a force of nature or act of God and carriers are not required to pay for transportation, hotels or food.  Although exceptions are sometimes made, it should not be expected.
5. If your flight cancels, you may line up with everyone else, or grab your phone and call the airline for rebooking. 
6. If your flight is delayed and not canceled, check the screens for new departure times and gate changes.  If there are several delays, a desk for connecting passengers may be set up to assist and offer information.

Accommodations Tips:

1. Before you confirm your reservation inquire about the cancellation policy.  Although checking the rules is the right thing to do at all times, but especially during winter weather travel, it is best to double check.
2. If your flight cancels, use your phone to call and reserve a room.  Do this immediately.  Waiting could be the difference between getting a place for the night and sleeping in the airport. 
3. Although reserving a hotel will require spending money for comfort vs. a nap in the airport, Travel Bags With Annita does recommend booking a hotel and allowing yourself a night to unwind and rest for the next day of stormy weather. 

Travel Bags With Annita & Friends is a travel talk radio show on WDUN AM 550 and FM 102.9 in North Georgia, Atlanta, South and North Carolina and Tennessee.  Travel Bags With Annita is also available online at www.travelwithannita.com and click listen live.  

Do you have any stormy-weather tips?  Email us at  info@travelbagswithannita.com