Summer Travel
This was not a stellar weekend for aviation. First a computer failure at United Airlines resulted in at least 31 flight cancellations (and an ensuing impact). Second, a bomb threat from an individual at an airport ticket counter in Dayton OH resulted in flight delays at Reagan National. Finally, summer storms continued their routine assault on summer travelers.
Did you know that summer storms have a more significant impact on travel than winter storms? Winter storms tend to be more predictable because they can be forecast with greater accuracy. Summer storms tend to be the pop-up variety. Winter storms tend to be, well, winter storms. How often do winter storms include intense lightning? Summer storms create conditions on airports that most of us don't want to be in - water, metal and lightning. Rest assured I am not a disgruntled customer fussing at the flight attendant because boarding was delayed while lightning danced around the aircraft ramp. Summer storms especially wreak havoc over major hubs where a return to normal operation is usually a tedious process. Aircraft must return to a normal patter after being diverted or delayed so the impact may last hours beyond the storm event. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports bad weather is responsible for 60% of all airline delays.
What does this mean to a traveler? Patience certainly keeps blood pressure in check but a few moves may prevent a storm encounter. Buy tickets for early morning travel. Storms tend to be more intense in the afternoon when the temperature has increased. F;lying earlier in the day also builds in more opportunities to make changes before frequencies run out. Build in time for delays - don't schedule the second leg of a flight close to the first leg arrival time. It's a lot more fun to leisurely stroll to the gate with a coffee than run and find it has been delayed or cancelled due to storm. Leave enough travel time to accommodate a delay or cancellation (e.g. if you are flying to a "job interview" of a lifetime, for heaven's sake don't go on the last flight available to make it there on time).
Finally, fly with the right attitude. Going with patience and a positive outlook certainly makes for a better time for you and your planemates.
