Within a few weeks, I have a long-planned holiday in the idyllic European destination and I will fly out and then back to Newark Airport.
I am mostly excited in the holiday and the sun. I am less excited about flying out of the airport, which has been in titles for the last few weeks.
The airport is facing ongoing traveling to the middle of the air traffic control problems, the construction of the trail and even the interruption of a couple of equipment, which has prevented controllers from talking to airplanes. Problems intensified last month when air traffic problems first forced dozens of delays and more than 100 cancellations. Increasingly, travelers are found in Newark.
I'm not mostly nervous about a leaf, but given the news, if I said, if I said I wouldn't question if I should go closer to my flight.
So I did what journalists do. I consulted an expert. In this case, it is Taylor Rains, a fearless aviation reporter for Business Insider. Spoiler alert: He made me feel much better. This is what he said.
Emma Cosgrove: I will fly out of Newark Airport for the next two weeks and the news will make me nervous. Should I be nervous?
Taylor rainfall: Safety smart, no, even despite the problems of ATC staff and equipment that sounded a scary thing. Controllers and pilots are professionals and are able to maintain an extremely high level of safety. Lower staff means slower air traffic and exit rates, especially no controllers overloading – this is the main problem with creating ATC disorders. I'm not personally nervous about Newark's safety. The concern if passengers should have, it is when you connect to Newark in a short position or back. You may be late and miss this future flight.
Should I think about changing my flight at a significant cost?
It depends on how important your trip is. People have skipped due to non -refundable hotel nights or train tickets due to delays or cancellation. At the moment, I recommend avoiding Newark if your trip is flexible. Since most Newark travelers are connected or their partners, this largely means your chances of flying from Laguardia or replacing the composition of Newark to another United Hub. United do not fly from JFK. You should direct through DC, Houston, Chicago or Denver.
Let's say, for example, that you fly through Newark in a regional city in Europe. Call United and ask him to be directed through another node. They have a lot of international flying from the east coast and the central part of the country. Currently, their policies have planned flights from May 6 to May 23 (booked before 4 May) can change their flight for free (without the change of change or the difference in ticket prices).
The flight must be between the same two cities (or either Laguardia or Philadelphia), be the same cabin and be 2 days before or after the original flight, their policy saysTo. If you fly the spirit or any other non -glued airline, you need to call to see your change.
If you are looking for a book for a future flight, I would recommend completely reviewing another airport or making sure that your Newark is long, as the delays are not only out of Newark but also Newark.
To make your life easier than you be When flying through Newark, bring the load capacity only if possible. This will make the last minute changes more flexible as you do not have a checked bag for concern.
Also, do not take your disappointment to the airport staff! They are as stressed as customers and are bound by airline rules and cannot in any way change the weather or accelerate controllers. Give everyone mercy and pack your patience.
Is there any difference in the safety of flying and flying from Newark?
No! There are a number of different management options that go in and out and they all work together. If the center with two stagnations is falling, the pilot course or their last known permit will be trained. They do not go into fraudsters or panic because they cannot hear from ATC, they are trained for such situations and can guide themselves when needed.
Is Newark's situation really so unique?
Yes and no. Newark has had years of Human Resources Problems, which has caused similar problems, which is now the construction of its head trail. It is closed until at least mid -June, so people can expect any delays to do with it, plus any other ATC problems and weather conditions. Days bad summer worlds would cause a trifecta problem that probably leaves people at the gates for several hours.
What should I watch for my flight to get the best information about safety and delays?
People should check their airline updates so that sign up for E -mail and text notifications of delays, cancellation and gate changes. Check the boards and honestly, just go to wait for the delays to have no surprises or disappointments. You can also check FAA Tips websiteTo. EWR is the code of Newark Airport. If you are checking today, May 9, you will see 262 middle minutes delay and 75 minutes delay in the construction of the track. If you are flying on a sunny day, you want to look for a note of the track and the volume note. What says at the end of the “volume” refers to the over -recovery or personnel problems that cause air traffic.
