Winter travel: Strategies for overcoming delays and disruptions

Lessons from the road

Sometimes, the best travel lessons come from firsthand experience. Christopherson’s Chief Commercial Officer, Matt Cameron, shared one such story—a winter travel mishap that turned into an impromptu road trip.

While en route from Charlottesville to Atlanta, his flight was derailed when a de-icing truck collided with the plane. Stranded, Cameron and his colleagues scrambled for alternatives.

“We looked at our options and saw some flights out of Dulles. So, we rented a taxi and found someone willing to drive the three of us there—a two-and-a-half-hour trip,” Cameron recalled.

The group made their flights, but the experience underscored a crucial point: adaptability and creative problem-solving are key during winter travel.

Proactive planning for winter travel

Preparation is your best defense against winter travel disruptions. A few strategic choices can significantly reduce delays and missed connections.

"Think about where you’re connecting," Cameron advised. “If I’m traveling from Salt Lake, I can connect through Detroit or Atlanta. In winter, I choose Atlanta to avoid cold-weather hubs.”

Other key planning tips:

• ‍Build in buffer time – Leave extra time for traffic, security, and weather-related delays.‍
• Travel early – Arriving the night before a critical meeting minimizes the risk of being late.‍
• Avoid peak travel times – Skip Monday mornings and Friday afternoons when airports are busiest.‍
• Pack smart – “Those who had carry-ons during the CrowdStrike fiasco last summer avoided the chaos of 20-foot luggage piles,” Cameron recalled. Travel light whenever possible.

Leveraging technology for a smoother journey

Technology is a powerful tool for mitigating travel disruptions. Stay ahead of delays with these essential apps:

• ‍Airline apps – Get real-time updates on gate changes, cancellations, and delays.‍
• TSA wait times – Check security lines before heading to the airport.‍
• TripIt Pro – Consolidate itineraries and receive alerts across multiple airlines.‍
• Christopherson’s Andavo app – Currently in beta, this app provides real-time notifications on delays, cancellations, and baggage status.

“Turn on notifications for these apps,” Cameron advised. “Being informed is half the battle.”

Maximizing comfort during delays

Even with the best planning, delays happen. But a little preparation can make them far more bearable.

• ‍Lounge access – Your credit card or airline loyalty program may grant complimentary lounge access. “You might have benefits you don’t even realize,” Cameron noted.
• Ask for compensation – “Airlines sometimes offer upgrades or hotel vouchers if you ask,” added Paul Foster, Christopherson’s Account Consulting Manager.‍
• Pack essentials – Keep a change of clothes, medications, and snacks in your carry-on.‍
• Stay entertained – Bring a good book, download podcasts, or catch up on work.

Understanding refunds and re-accommodations

If your flight is canceled, what are your options?

• Re-accommodations – The airline typically books you on the next available flight, sometimes even with another carrier. This is usually the most convenient and cost-effective solution.
• Refunds – If you opt for a refund, only the affected flight segment is reimbursed, meaning you may need to book new arrangements. This works best if your trip hasn’t started or if you have flexibility.

Tip: Make sure you understand your company’s travel policy before making out-of-policy changes.

Kindness goes a long way

Cameron shared one final—and perhaps the most important—piece of advice:

“Kindness is contagious,” he said. “Airline staff are under immense stress during delays. A little gratitude goes a long way.”

This simple reminder resonated with travelers: patience and kindness can transform even the most frustrating travel experience.

Essential winter travel checklist‍

Here’s a handy winter travel checklist to help travelers stay prepared:

• Choose connecting airports in warm-weather hubs.
• Build extra time into your schedule.
• Travel with a carry-on whenever possible.
• Use travel apps for real-time updates.
• Pack essentials like snacks, medications, and a change of clothes.
• Know your company’s travel policy.
• Be kind and patient with airline staff.

Looking ahead

Winter travel will always come with challenges, but proactive planning, smart technology use, and a little patience can make all the differences. The goal isn’t just to get from Point A to Point B—it’s to do so with as little stress as possible, no matter what the weather is outside.