A harsh winter storm, known as a bomb cyclone, has spread across the northern Midwest of the United States, with up to 1.2 meters of snow and temperatures plummeting to well below 0 degrees Celsius.
These adverse weather conditions are some of the most extreme that have been seen across the United States in the last 100 years. While most of the residents are stuck at home, there are many stranded at airports across the country, trying to get into or out of the region.
Over the Christmas celebrations, thousands of flights have been canceled. Southwest Airlines was forced to cancel over 1,700 flights on Boxing Day alone, while Delta Air Lines dropped over 250 flights on the same day.
Of those who have managed to reach their destination, many are finding that their luggage is still to catch up. So, what should you do if you’re trying to fly home to prepare yourself?
Prepare Your Carry-On To Last A Few Days
Pack yourself several days’ worth of clothes and basic toiletries in your carry-on, so that if you become stranded in an airport, you’ll be well prepared.
This will also help you once you reach your destination, in case your luggage is lost.
Check Flights Before Traveling To The Airport
There is no point wasting several hours of your day traveling to the airport only to find that your flight has been canceled.
Keep an eye on your airline’s website or contact the airline directly if you’re unsure about the status of your flight.
If yours happens to be canceled or delayed, book an extra night in a nearby hotel so you don’t have to be uncomfortable on an airport floor.
Explore The City
If you’re in an area affected by the storm, you should keep inside to remain safe.
However, if you’re in another part of the country waiting to fly, you should consider taking advantage of your location and getting out of the airport for a while.
Most airports provide a direct train or bus service to the nearest city. If you’ll be waiting for more than 5 hours, you can avoid boredom by doing some sightseeing.
If you are stranded, it can feel like it’s taking forever. However, these situations rarely last more than a day or two, so rest easy knowing that you’ll be home safe and sound before you know it.
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