AAA Mid-Atlantic: Flyer Beware – Holiday Travel Tips for Local Travelers Booked with American Airlines

PHILADELPHIA, PA (Nov. 30, 2017) – Due to a scheduling glitch, thousands of American Airline flights from December 17 – 31 currently do not have pilots assigned to fly them. The airline has stated it is working to resolve the problem to avoid flight cancellations.

Reportedly, the scheduling problem has left flights without pilots from some of American Airlines' biggest hubs including Philadelphia, the airline’s fourth largest hub with more than flights 400 daily.

AAA Mid-Atlantic is offering tips for local travelers –

If a traveler has an American Airlines flight during the time period impacted, what should they do?

• American Airlines has not provided details on which specific flights are impacted. If travelers have flights booked with the airline within the December 17 -31 timeframe, they should reach out to American Airlines for information. Until then, it’s a waiting game.

• If travelers have purchased travel insurance on an impacted flight, they should review their policies to better understand their coverage.

• If travelers booked the flight with a travel agent, they should reach out to the travel agent to remain informed and for assistance with any itinerary changes.

   

  What advice does AAA offer travelers caught in situations like this?

   

• Travelers should consider booking their vacations with a travel agent. A trusted travel agent can serve as a travelers’ advocate, helping them remain informed and assisting with any itinerary changes that need to be made.

• AAA recommends purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance is designed to offer protection against sudden and unforeseen events. Typically, travelers must have purchased travel insurance prior to an event to receive coverage benefits. Check with a travel agent and carefully review insurance policies before purchasing, as coverage options vary.

   

  Through a series of tweets American Airlines is working to reassure travelers stating, “We are working diligently to address the issue and expect to avoid cancellations this holiday season.  We have reserve pilots to help cover flying in December, and we are paying pilots who pick up certain open trips 150 percent of their hourly rate – as much as we are allowed to pay them per the contract. We will work with the APA [Allied Pilots Association] to take care of our pilots and ensure we get our customers to where they need to go over the holidays.”

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