This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Leticia Barr, a 51-year-old education consultant and founder of Tech Savvy Mama, in Silver Spring, Maryland. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
I was in Indianapolis on November 7 when I received a phone notification that my American Airlines flight home was canceled.
It was early in the afternoon, and I was representing a client at a conference. I immediately Googled flights from Indianapolis to any of the Washington, DC, airports near where I live in Maryland and booked a direct flight home on Southwest.
My updated flight to Baltimore left about the same time as our original flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Luckily, we boarded the flight without any issues.
For my next trip, I’m booking a backup flight. I’m also making extra holiday travel contingency plans for my two college students.
My office was able to cover the cost of my rebooked flight
American Airlines had rebooked me on a flight for the following day, but it would have been extremely inconvenient to stay another night in Indianapolis, because the airline was not providing a hotel room.
My new Southwest one-way ticket to Baltimore was $140 more than my initial round-trip ticket with American. Luckily, this was work travel, and my office was able to cover the cost.
I also received a refund for almost half of my American Airlines flight within the seven business days.
I have a trip coming up that I cannot miss
For the last 10 years, I’ve been fundraising, training, and running the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. I’m a St. Jude Hero ambassador, and the marathon takes place at the beginning of December.
Although the government shutdown has ended, flights may still be affected.
I mentioned to my husband that I should book a backup ticket, because I don’t have any flexibility on this trip. I’m flying in on Friday, and the race is on Saturday. Additionally, there are very few nonstop flights to Memphis, and I always prefer to travel nonstop whenever possible.
Living near multiple airports is a benefit
In addition to my non-stop flight on American Airlines from DCA to the Memphis International Airport on Friday morning, I booked another flight on Southwest using points out of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport later in the day.
We’re fortunate that in DC we have three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). I live equidistant from all three, and I’m willing to travel to any of them.
I feel really good about my backup plan. Once I get to Memphis on American, I can cancel my other ticket.
My son and daughter have contingent travel plans for the holidays
I have two college students who live elsewhere in the country who will be coming home for Thanksgiving. I’m a bit concerned about their travel, due to the short timeframe they have to be home.
As contingency plans, my son is in Denver, and he could drive if his flight is canceled. It would just take him a couple of days. My daughter, who’s a senior in college in California, could drive to our family in Northern California instead if needed.
It’s never easy to travel during the holidays, but with unexpected flight delays, everything is a bit more stressful. It’s essential to be patient, flexible, and kind. Also, be kind to TSA workers; they’re doing the best they can. They’ve been working without pay for so long to keep things running for the rest of us.
Do you have a holiday or work travel story you’d like to share? If so, email this editor, Manseen Logan, at mlogan@businessinsider.com.
