With a winter storm approaching this week, just in time for the holiday travel rush, here are some AAA tips:

Airline Delays/Cancelations

·       If you have travel flexibility and think your flight may be impacted, NOW is the time to rebook. Waiting until flights start being canceled is too late, as there is likely not enough capacity to accommodate last-minute changes.

·       Check your airline’s website or download their app to keep up-to-date on your flight status, including one last time right before you leave for the airport. Check these options before calling their customer service number, which may result in a long wait time.

·       Travelers should check their flight status before heading to the airport.

·       Work with a knowledgeable travel advisor when booking your trip. They’ll serve as your advocate in case your flight is delayed or canceled, and can help with any last-minute travel plans. They may be able to help find an alternate flight to avoid disruption of your travel plans.

·       Consider flight travel insurance, but read the fine print to understand what it covers.

·       Know your rights as an air passenger and review your airline’s contract of carriage for information on their policies for flight delays, cancellations and rebooking. By law, travelers are entitled to a refund when an airline cancels their flight.

·       Don’t book more than one flight. Duplicate bookings will not only cost the consumer a non-refundable ticket, but also could cause both flights to cancel. Many carriers have algorithms in place to spot dupes and cancel both itineraries which could leave them with no flights at all.

·       Be sure to include all medications, snacks, and change of clothes in a carry-on bag in case your flight is canceled after you’ve already checked your baggage.

·       If travelers encounter a problem that cannot be resolved by their airline, they may wish to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation or FAA. For more information, visit https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint

Winter Driving

·       AAA strongly recommends drivers pack an emergency kit. A well-stocked emergency kit should include a cell phone car charger, flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, drinking water, extra snacks and food for travelers and pets, reflectors, an ice scraper or snow brush, shovel and warm gloves, clothes, hats and blankets for all passengers in your car.

·       Drivers should clean their headlights, replace old wiper blades, and inspect the tread depth and pressure of tires. Good visibility and traction are critical when driving through winter storms or on icy roads.

·       Snow, sleet, and ice require drivers to be especially cautious. They should slow down and allow three times more space than usual between their car and the car in front. Avoid using cruise control in slick conditions and avoid making unnecessary lane changes – which increase the chances of hitting patches of ice between lanes.

·       Drivers approaching a red light or stop sign – spots where ice often forms – should brake and slow down in advance to minimize the possibility of braking on ice. If you hit a patch of ice and begin to skid, try to stay calm and resist the urge to slam on the brakes. Instead, look where you want the car to go and steer in that direction. Finally, if you see a first responder or tow truck driver at the side of the road, slow down and move over. It’s the law in 50 states and is intended to keep these individuals safe as they work to rescue others.

·       And the best tip of all, if there is a blizzard in your path, is to stay home. It’s a blizzard!