Travel Issues Caused by Inclement Weather

When it comes to travel, inclement weather can throw a wrench into even the most well-laid plans. From flight cancellations to road closures, unexpected weather conditions can cause major disruptions and headaches for travelers. Whether you’re planning a vacation or traveling for business, it’s important to be prepared for potential travel issues caused by inclement weather. The best advice is to stay calm and be flexible.

My first business trip of 2024 was fast approaching, and I had made all the necessary arrangements and packed my bags. Little did I know, however, that the weather forecast was not in my favor. Most of the country was expected to be besieged by cold, snowy, and icy conditions. As a result, I braced myself for the inevitable impact on my flights.

On Monday morning, I departed from Minnesota as scheduled for my flight to Houston. The journey was smooth, save for a minor issue upon landing in Houston. Interestingly enough, our captain was none other than Captain Lindbergh himself. Captain Lindbergh faced a sudden decision to abort the landing due to strong wind, forcing us to circle before we could finally land. However, upon arrival, there was no gate available for us, resulting in a frustrating wait and jeopardizing my connection time. Fortunately, my next flight was delayed for deicing. The announcements kept coming every 15 minutes, pushing back our departure time further. Realizing I needed sustenance to carry on, I headed straight for a Panda Express and replenished my energy reserves. Originally scheduled for noon, my flight was ultimately cancelled around 2pm, forcing me to rearrange my travel plans. The airline advised against retrieving our checked luggage, citing weather conditions that made it difficult for them to retrieve it. Thus, I made my way to the hotel with only my laptop bag in tow.

The next day, I made it a point to check the status of my flight first. As per the airline app, it was on time, so I availed of the hotel shuttle service to reach the airport. To my dismay, upon arrival, I was informed by the gate agent that there was a delay in my flight, despite what the app had informed me. Such is the unreliability of technology. Nonetheless, the flight eventually departed, after much delay. Interestingly, my departure gate was located in a separate, secured area so I had to step outside in order to board the airplane. This was a first for me at a major airport in the United States.

At long last, I reached my client’s site, but to my amusement (or should I say, frustration?), my luggage did not make it. This marked the second day of being without my belongings, and with work waiting for me tomorrow morning, I had no choice but to go shopping for essentials.

Finally, on Friday, I made my way to the airport for my scheduled flight back home. Unfortunately, I had to endure the tedious process of regular security, as I forgot to add my TSA precheck to my airline profile. Despite this inconvenience, the flight to DFW was timely. However, my connection flight was delayed by an hour, resulting in me reaching home an hour later than planned. Nevertheless, I am grateful to have made it back home safely and with all my luggage in tow.

Yes, it was a rougher than usual travel week.   Dealing with travel issues can be a frustrating and stressful experience but remember to stay calm and be flexible.  This is what is in your command.