Flight Delays: The New Normal?

If you're planning a trip anytime soon, especially with Memorial Day around the corner, you might want to brace yourself. Flight delays and disruptions are at an all-time high, and it's not just bad luck – major problems in the aviation industry are to blame. We're talking about technology glitches, airlines struggling to find enough staff, and air traffic control hiccups. It's a recipe for travel chaos.

Do You Have A REAL ID?

According to Squaremouth, a travel insurance company, flight delays are the number one thing travelers are worried about. And it's no wonder. With the summer travel season kicking off, things could get even trickier. The new REAL ID requirements are causing confusion and longer lines at airports. The Transportation Security Administration is even suggesting you get to the airport a whole three hours before your flight. A recent mess at Newark Airport, a major hub, has led to tons of cancelled flights, leaving many travelers stranded.

The stats are eye-opening. Squaremouth reports that almost half (48%) of Memorial Day travelers are super concerned about their flights being delayed or cancelled. Last year, that number was only 36%, so things are getting worse.

Stranded Passengers Rewarded

In April, a United Airlines flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) was delayed over four hours. A few passengers missed their United connecting flight at IAD to Charlottesville Albemarle Airport. United provided meal vouchers and hotel rooms for passengers stranded at IAD.

After passengers posted their experience on X, United customer service representatives rewarded passengers on the flight.

“As a goodwill gesture, we're able to deposit 10,000 miles into each traveler's MileagePlus account,” United said in response to the post on X.