I’m a travel expert and here are my top hacks for AVOIDING flight delays and airport woes this summer

• According to FlightAware, there are around 30,000 delayed flights per day 
• Around 7,000 to 9,000 of these include flights into or out of the US
• Contributing factors include severe weather and overscheduling 

Flight delays and cancellations have unfortunately become a routine part of any airplane journey these days – however, help is now on hand from a top travel expert, who is sharing a series of tips to help you avoid any vacation nightmares. 

According to recent data from flight tracking company FlightAware, there are around 30,000 delayed flights per day globally with 7,000 to 9,000 of these being flights in or out of the US.

Some of the contributing factors to mounting flight delays and cancellations include severe weather, staffing shortages, overscheduling and mechanical failures.

In a bid to navigate any travel chaos, Chicago-based travel expert and founder of Empire Tours and Productions Steven Garcia has shared his top tips with DailyMail.com including everything from only booking direct flights to always having an alternative plan. Read on for his insights…

According to recent data from flight tracking company FlightAware, there are around 30,000 delayed flights per day globally with 7,000 to 9,000 of these in or out of the US (stock image)

Scrap stopovers

If you can, Garcia advises flying direct to your destination. 

He explains: ‘Even if you have to drive three or four hours to a different airport to fly direct it is worth it. 

‘If your connecting flight gets cancelled or delayed it can ruin part of, if not your entire vacation. 

‘I drive to from Charleston to Charlotte to do this all the time. I also do the same thing when I’m in the Midwest.’ 

Points mean prizes!

If you are flying regularly, Garcia highlights the importance of saving air miles and points and trying to get the highest status as possible with your preferred airline. 

The travel pro reveals: ‘If you are loyal to an airline, you will be surprised the lengths they will go to you for you and they will even hold connecting flights for you. 

‘I have friends who conduct international business and have been flying with the same airlines for decades. 

‘They are literally treated like kings and queens. I was with one of these friends once flying under his United Airlines account. 

‘They held our connecting flight for 30 minutes in Washington, D.C. just for him and when we landed they had a Mercedes waiting on the tarmac to drive us to get on the next plane!’

Being nice goes a long way

Being kind to airline and airport staff is key in getting your travel plans back on track, Garcia says.   

‘They have more power than you think to change things around and get you on another flight to your destination,’ he explains. 

If you are rude and the passenger next to you is nice, Garcia highlights that you won’t make any progress and ‘they will put the other person on the next flight over you anytime.’

Chicago-based travel expert and founder of Empire Tours and Productions Steven Garcia has shared his top tips with DailyMail.com

Some of the contributing factors to mounting flight delays and cancellations include severe weather, staffing shortages, overscheduling and mechanical failures (stock image)

Nothing fancy for the first night 

Instead of booking an expensive hotel for the first night of your vacation, Garcia recommends opting for something cheaper close by in case of flight cancellations or delays. 

That way, you won’t feel hard done by in case of any hiccups and you won’t have to go about trying to claim money back. 

The globetrotter says even if your flight isn’t delayed for the first night, ‘you will usually be tired anyway from the travel and it doesn’t really matter if you sleep at a cheaper hotel and check into the fancy one the next day. 

‘You can then use the money you saved on a nice dinner or activity instead.’

The earlier the better!

In terms of what time to arrive at the airport, Garcia says the earlier the better.

He recommends arriving at least two hours before a flight, even if it is domestic. 

This way, if you find out you flight has been delayed or cancelled the ‘attendants might just have enough time to get you on another flight.’

Plan for things to go wrong 

If you go into a trip with low expectations, Garcia says ‘your entire travel experience will be more relaxing’ and you’ll be able to deal with obstacles easier. 

For example, he says you’ll have an attitude of ‘oh, they just delayed our flight another four hours…lets hit the bar woo-whoo!!!’ instead of ‘freaking out and being disappointed you’ll be arriving late at your final destination.’

Keep calm and carry on 

Travelers get ‘super stressed’ when things go wrong but Garcia says it is important to keep your cool. 

With flight delays you might find yourself getting frustrated but concentrate on the task in hand and speak to staff calmly. 

Garcia advises: ‘You might start getting annoyed about little things. 

‘However, if someone tries to skip you in line just let them. 

‘If you get in an altercation at the airport you won’t be flying anywhere and the staff will notice your heated behavior!’

Always be prepared 

If you are connecting at an airport, Garcia recommends researching some fun things to do at that location in case of a flight delay or cancellation. 

That way, if you are stuck there for a day or overnight you can make the most out of the situation and put a positive spin on it. 

The Chicago native says: ‘It doesn’t take long to Google some things to do and then at least you have some tricks up your sleeve if disaster strikes.’

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