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Later in this email, find out how to avoid flight cancellations and delays — and what to do if you experience them.

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✈️ How To Avoid (and Deal With) Canceled or Delayed Flights

Nearly half of Americans planned to travel during the holidays — with 46% of those choosing to fly. Airport after airport released new records for Thanksgiving and Christmas traffic.

Given the ongoing tumultuous time for airlines that began during the onset of COVID-19, it’s no wonder that plenty of flights experienced delays or outright cancellations.

Clark recommends taking an early flight and not checking a bag. But in the event of trouble, what do you do?

First, let’s look at some numbers from the 10 largest airlines. Remember, most of us have options. There are tradeoffs between price, convenience and level of service.

Most On Time

• Delta: 83%

• Alaska: 82%

• Spirit: 82%

Least On Time

• Allegiant: 66%

• JetBlue: 66%

• Southwest: 68%

Least Canceled

• Hawaiian: 0.1%

• Alaska: 0.5%

• Frontier: 0.9%

• Spirit: 0.9%

Most Canceled

• United: 3.6%

• American: 3.5%

• Southwest: 2.7%

Speaking of choices, did you know the U.S. Department of Transportation maintains a database for every major airline and how they handle various delay or cancellation scenarios?

Alaska and JetBlue tie for the most customer-friendly policies. To no one’s surprise, Frontier is the least customer-friendly of all when it comes to delayed or canceled flights.

It helps to know those policies before you book and especially if you experience a flight issue.

If your flight gets canceled because of a mechanical issue, staff shortage or some other airline problem, the carrier is legally required to get you another flight or refund your ticket.

If there’s a schedule change or a “significant” delay, the airline also must refund you. But the law doesn’t define “significant,” leaving some wiggle room for individual airlines.

If your flight gets canceled, don’t wait for the airline. Be proactive:

1. Try to reschedule your flight on the airline’s app. That way you choose the flight of your choice.

2. Call the airline. Make use of the callback feature if possible. If you’re at the airport, call the airline while you’re waiting in line to talk to an agent.

3. Try social media or the airline’s customer support live chat.

Some airlines have relationships with other carriers and can help you book a flight with another company.

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🎙️ Podcast

A recent survey discovered the average cell phone bill is $119/month! While prices have increased, there are several ways to reduce this expense. It’s easier than you think! Also, there has been a lot of concern about the IRS taxing payments over $600 in PayPal, CashApp, Venmo, and other payment apps. Luckily, the rule has been delayed again. Clark explains what’s going on. And, you won’t want to miss the special guest who appears in the second half of the podcast! Clark’s wife, Lane, joins him for Ask Clark!

☎️ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

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