With the 4th of July just around the corner, officials are expecting this weekend to bring travel to near pre-pandemic levels.
4th of July Crowds at Animal Kingdom in 2021
Many airlines are being forced to reduce, delay, or cancel flights as they face a shortage of workers, and with gas prices continuing to fluctuate, travel is still uncertain despite the high numbers of Americans expected to travel this summer. With a holiday weekend just days away, airlines are already canceling flights en masse, which does not bode well for travelers taking to the sky soon.
Over 1,000 flights were canceled in the United States this weekend, on June 25th and 26th, according to Click Orlando. Saturday saw the cancelation of 634 flights, with over 730 flights canceled on Sunday.
Over 1,000 flights were canceled this weekend.
Delta Airlines was the hardest hit due to weather and unexpected employee absences, the airline said. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is gearing up for a busy weekend, with the recent addition of another airline, Breeze Airways. 1.7 million travelers are expected to arrive at and depart from MCO this holiday weekend, which is only 34,000 passengers short of the 2019 numbers, say airport officials.
Orlando International Airport
If you’re traveling this weekend, experts say to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight and check on your flight’s status with the airline before you leave your house. Many airlines have apps that you can download in order to keep an eye on your upcoming flight, and you should sign up for text updates from your airline when you book a ticket. You may not receive a notification if a change or cancelation occurs, but you will be able to see the update on your flight plans.
Orlando International Airport
If your flight is canceled while you’re at the airport, you should immediately speak to an airline agent about getting re-booked on a different flight. If lines are long, you can try calling the airline’s help number while you wait in line in case you can get through to an agent faster that way.
Orlando International Airport
Make sure you know how you would like the situation to be resolved before you speak with an agent. You should be able to be booked on another flight to your destination, whether through the airline you had originally booked with or through a different airline. Finding the flight you want to be booked on as a replacement could help the situation get resolved faster! If you decide not to travel, you are entitled to a refund in the case of a flight cancelation or significant delay, according to the US Department of Transportation.
Not everyone is ready to travel
Experts are expecting the busiest day for fliers will be June 2nd, but if you’re driving, expect the most delays on June 30th and July 1st.
If you’re driving, expect delays on June 30th and July 1st.
Here are a few posts that might help as you get ready to head out on your vacation:
- What To Do If Your Flight to Disney World Is Canceled
- How to Get to Disney World from the Orlando Airport
- It Just Got Cheaper to Get to Your Disney World Hotel
If you’re heading to Disney World this 4th of July weekend, Magic Kingdom is already sold out of park passes for the holiday, with the expectation that the other three parks will be exceedingly busy as well. However, there are still park passes available for the other 3 parks. Both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT will have special 4th of July fireworks shows, and there will be lots of limited-time Independence Day-themed snacks and treats!
Patriotic Pluto Photo Op on Independence Day in 2021
Plus, what would a holiday be without a special pair of Minnie ears for the occasion? We’ll be keeping you up to date with more travel and 4th of July news, so make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest!
The BIG reasons you’re not traveling this summer — click here!
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I still don’t understand why airlines are scheduling and booking flights when they are short staffed. All they do is whine about how they don’t have enough personnel, yet they keep selling and booking flights.