According to an expert we interviewed, which of these is better for avoiding airline delays?

A direct carrier (such as American Airlines or United Airlines)

A regional partner (such as American Eagle or United Express)

Think you might make a last-minute flight change? You should ...

Avoid checking luggage and carry on a bag.

Go ahead and check a bag if needed; airlines are great at rerouting luggage.

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Flight Delays?

woman looking at arrival and departure board at an airport

It is a good idea to be proactive when the departure board lights up with delays and cancellations.

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Question 1 of 8

Booking flights with connections ...

Decreases the chances for cancellations or delays.

Increases the chances for cancellations or delays.

Makes no difference as far as cancellations or delays.

It’s important to stay updated on weather and flight information to help you plan for potential delays or cancellations.

Question 2 of 8

When it comes to avoiding delays and cancellations, which is more advantageous?

Booking flights earlier in the day with a direct carrier

Booking flights later in the day with a direct carrier

“Once a few cancellations happen, the domino effect means a higher percentage of later flights will be delayed or canceled,” Zach Griff, senior airline reporter for The Points Guy, told AARP.

Question 3 of 8

True or false? There’s little your travel agency can do if you booked through it and things go wrong during your trip.

True

False

“We can connect with the right people to rebook a flight that’s canceled,” Limor Dector, travel adviser at the Embark Beyond travel agency, told AARP.

Question 4 of 8

True or false? The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to give a full refund if a flight gets canceled — for any reason.

True

False

Airlines may try to offer travel vouchers instead of a refund, but you do not have to accept them instead of cash. In April, the DOT issued a rule that requires airlines to automatically provide passengers with cash refunds when they are owed.

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Quiz: What Would You Do If Your Flight Was Canceled or Delayed?

Test your travel skills

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