The winter storm ripple effect that left airlines, crews and passengers scrambling with thousands of cancellations and delays has prompted the question: What do you do if there are more weather-related disruptions on the horizon?
Given the enormity of this most recent storm -- American Airlines faced the most disruptive storm in its 100 year history, leading to hundreds of cancellations and stranded crew members -- experts are weighing in with tips for travelers who may want to think ahead with more inclement weather expected.
Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, shared his top strategy with "Good Morning America" on Thursday, detailing what people should consider before they hit a snag in their flight plans.
"What I want is for everyone to not get in that situation," Kelly said. "All the airlines days before the storm issue weather waivers, so when you know a monster storm is coming to the Northeast, I want you to change flights."
In the case of the recent winter storm, Kelly said if people had "changed from Sunday to Tuesday morning when there were still seats available, you got home Tuesday morning," versus those who "rolled the dice" and didn't make it to their destination until Thursday, when more seats became available.
When possible, he said "pay attention to weather waivers" since airlines issuing those "let you change for free."
To prepare for travel disruptions, Kelly suggests tracking where your inbound flight is arriving from so that you can see the weather, conditions and latest timing of that plane.
In that case, Kelly said when you see a delay or cancellation due to operational issues, you can "hop off that crazy train and use your miles or points on another airline."
"Your only right is getting a refund," he said citing Department of Transportation policy. "A three-hour delay or cancellation, [you] get refund. A lot of airlines will automatically give you a voucher, but there's forms you can submit -- always get the cash refund."
When issues are weather related, Kelly noted that "you're asking for a favor," because airlines aren't required to give out hotel vouchers.
"When you're talking to that agent, do not scream at them," he said. "When you are nice and approach it that way, they may actually give you the hotel voucher."
Kelly also encouraged travelers to consider which credit card they are purchasing a flight with, because some can cover reimbursement on costs like lodging and food.
"If you use the right credit card to book flights -- like, Chase Sapphire Preferred will give you $500 per person if you're delayed to cover Uber, food, a nice hotel, just by using the right credit card," he said.
Kelly said to check an airline's flexible change policy in advance of any developing storms, and consider the timing of your trip.
"Always call and ask the airline to change," he said.
He added, "I actually recommend going into airline apps -- the chat feature is great and you can usually get through quicker. When you chat with the airline, you've got receipts."
