With more harrowing winter weather said to be on the way this weekend, Americans are on alert in more than 30 states.
If you find yourself in the line of the storm, there are a few ways you can avoid having your travel plans wiped out — or at least minimize the negative impact.
Here are some things to keep in mind via a travel expert.
Don’t wait until the last minute
Matas Cenys, the head of product at travel eSIM app Sailey, suggests first and foremost acting early if you’re trying to go through with air travel at a time like this.
“If your flight is within 48 hours of the storm window, monitor your airline app closely,” Cenys said in a news release. “Enable notifications, and consider rebooking to the earliest departure before the weather peak or the first flights after it passes. Airlines often waive change fees during severe weather. Use those windows quickly.”
Cenys also recommends downloading the airline app, boarding passes and maps before heading out.
Securing hotel and grand transportation confirmations can also be a good idea in the case of lost access to the Internet.
“Have a backup data option like a travel eSIM so you can rebook or get updates even if airport Wi‑Fi is overloaded,” Cenys said.
But also beware of fake travel notices from bad actors looking to take advantage of the trying times.
“Scammers exploit chaos, so be skeptical of ‘priority rebooking’ links,” Cenys said. “Use official airline channels for updates, avoid links from unsolicited texts during disruptions, and never share passport or payment details over unknown public Wi‑Fi.”
‘Manage expectations’
Sometimes, weather delays can create a cascade of problems.
Be aware of options if one of your flights is delayed down the line, not just your first flight.
“Know the dominoes,” Cenys said. “In snow, de-icing, crew duty limits, and aircraft repositioning can lead to cancellations. If your first leg is delayed, proactively ask agents or use the app for alternate connections or overnight options rather than waiting at the gate.”
Of course, this also means preparing for delays by packing essential items in your carry-on.
Those can include medications, charging cables, a power bank, snacks, warm layer,s and essential documents.
Also, simply consider skipping or delaying that trip.
“If travel isn’t essential, consider postponing. If you must go, build in extra time and have ground alternatives in mind. Clear communication and realistic timelines reduce stress for you and frontline staff.”
What are eSIMs?
According to Apple, eSIMs are industry-standard digital SIMs built into devices to eliminate the need for a physical SIM card.
That allows greater flexibility and security, especially when traveling internationally.
Available in most new phones, it also allows users to switch carriers and use multiple mobile plans without swapping cards.
Saily is a travel eSIM app that allows users to manage mobile and internet connections from anywhere in the world, and it was created by the cybersecurity experts behind NordVPN.
Check out https://saily.com for more information.
