According to the FAA, today is likely to be the busiest day of air travel for the Fourth of July weekend. However, multiple days of air travel problems this week may be an indication of things to come.
Over the holiday weekend, the number of air travelers could set a pandemic-era high. The FAA anticipates that Thursday will be the busiest, with almost 52,500 total flights. Passengers should contact their airline directly to confirm the status of their flight.
Moreover, passengers can get the most up-to-date information by visiting the airline’s websites and entering their flight number.
How to Contact
Airlines that fly into Tampa International Airport have the following websites and phone numbers:
- Alaska Airlines / 800-252-7522
- Air Canada / 888-247-2262
- American Airlines / 800-433-7300
- Avelo Airlines / 346-616-9500
- Breeze Airways / Online help only
- British Airways / 800-247-9297
- Cayman Airways / 800-422-9626
- Copa Airlines / 800-359-2672
- Delta Airlines / 800-221-1212
- Edelweiss Air (Swiss) / No listed number
- Eurowings Discover (Lufthansa) / 800-645-3880
- Frontier / 602-333-5925
- Havana Air / 305-615-4151
- Invicta Air / 305-506-6670
- jetBlue / 800-538-2583
- Silver Airways / 800-881-4999
- Southwest Airlines / 800-435-9792
- Spirit Airlines / 855-728-3555
- Sun Country Airlines / 800-359-6786
- United / 800-864-8331
- Virgin Atlantic / 800-862-8621
- WestJet / 800-538-5696
My flight had been canceled. What comes next?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, if you still need to get to your destination, most airlines will rebook you for free on the next available aircraft as long as it has seats. Transportation Department.
Even if you purchased non-refundable tickets, you are entitled to a full refund if you decide to cancel the trip. You can also get a refund for any baggage fees, seat upgrades, or other expenses.
Consumer travel advocate and former airline CEO Kurt Ebenhoch has stated that consumers are entitled to a reimbursement, not only coupons for future travel. If you do use a voucher, make sure you ask about ban dates and other restrictions.
Can I ask to be booked on another airline’s flight?
Yes. According to the DOT, airlines are not compelled to place you on another airline’s flight, although they can and sometimes do. While you’re waiting to speak with an agent, Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, suggests looking for alternate flights. When a flight is canceled, agents are usually under a lot of strain, so offering them alternative options is beneficial.
Is the airline obligated to provide me with a hotelroom or other compensation?
No. The Biden administration is seeking to require airlines to compensate travelers and cover their meals and hotel rooms if they are stranded for reasons beyond the carrier’s control, as announced last month — but, as of now, each airline has its own policies regarding providing for customers whose flights are canceled, according to the DOT.
Many airlines provide accommodations, so check with their staff. The DOT also offers an online dashboard where travelers may compare major carrier cancellation and delay policies.