Weather, war and labor issues are among the many things that can lead to cost increases or flight diversions. Here’s how you can prepare.
Updated: 15 minutes agoPassengers wait outside a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Saturday, March, 21, 2026, Whether you’re traveling across the country or around the world, a little situational awareness goes a long way.
Sometimes the weather has an outsized influence on whether your plane is on time — or if it’s flying at all. Wars grab the headlines and result in closed airspace and airports, in addition to the terrible human tragedies in the midst of bombs and rockets. Labor actions and strikes can impede travel plans if airline or airport personnel are not available as scheduled.This winter has been a tough one for weather-related delays and cancellations. Storms have caused delays and cancellations on the East Coast and in the Midwest. A big storm this week in Hawaii led to flight delays and cancellations. If there’s a storm brewing, your airline may offer a chance to change or refund your ticket.The U.S.’s new war with Iran means large swaths of airspace are closed to civilian traffic. Also, big airline hub airports in Dubai , Doha and Abu Dhabi are intermittently closed completely or offering only very limited flights. These actions severely disrupt worldwide aviation, particularly between Europe and Asia. However, many U.S. routes to Africa and India also are impeded. Even before the war started, a partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, means Transportation Security Administration screeners are not getting paid. At some airports, including Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport,“TSA agents are pawns in the funding dispute over DHS,” said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst with Atmosphere Research. “This is completely regrettable, since every person who buys a ticket pays a fee to DHS for security.” Currently, the “September 11 Security Fee” is pegged at $5.60 per one-way trip, or $11.20 round-trip.In addition to a shortage of TSA screeners, a new war and crazy weather, gas prices are going up. Not just for your car, either.Airfares already are on the rise. Earlier this month, the benchmark fare from Anchorage to Seattle was $277 round-trip. Today, the same flights cost at least $337 round-trip in basic economy. Add $80 round-trip for a main cabin ticket, with advance seat assignments and full loyalty points or SkyMiles. “The airlines are telling us fares are going to increase, slow and steady,” said Harteveldt. “So we’re the frog in the kettle of water. And airlines are turning up the heat slowly and steadily.” Because fares already are rising and airlines are predicting still higher rates, Harteveldt suggests travelers may consider buying tickets sooner rather than later.Harteveldt said larger airlines, including American, United and Delta may be better-insulated against the higher cost of jet fuel. “Those three airlines have the strongest co-branded credit cards,” he said.Alaska Airlines, though smaller than the big three global network carriers, still received more than $1.7 billion in commissions from Bank of America last year. Given the rapidly changing travel landscape, travelers must be vigilant regarding their plans — even after making their plans.from its spring schedule. The flight cancellations are a direct result of the higher cost of jet fuel. Air New Zealand is canceling around 1,100 flights between now and May. Neither airline is cutting its longer intercontinental flights. For now. “Travelers need to constantly double-check their reservations to confirm the airline continues to operate at the scheduled date and time,” said Harteveldt.I just renewed my travel insurance plan for the year. Allianz is a big company and offers several options for annual plans if you’re making more than one trip. But it’s just one of several major players, including BHTP and Travelex. Two companies, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, offer side-by-side comparison of single trip plans, annual plans and “cancel for any reason” options. Even if you do not purchase a separate travel insurance policy, you may be partially covered through your credit card, including Alaska’s Atmos card. But you have to read the fine print to see what’s included for emergency medical coverage, evacuation, trip cancellation or travel delays. If you’re planning to travel internationally, consider registering with the U.S. State Department’s plan:STEP is a free program which aids the embassy or consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The program also offers updates on health, weather, safety and security of your specific destination. According to the website, it takes about 20 minutes to fill out the form. When we traveled to Spain, I received regular updates on several topics. Talk to your health care provider about recommended vaccines and inoculations. Depending on the destination, your provider may recommend a protocol to protect you from hepatitis A, hepatitis B and malaria. TheThe British Home Office also hason more than 200 countries or territories, including safety and security and health risks. The old currency exchange offices are few and far between. Most travelers have at least one debit card and a credit card to access cash once they land in a foreign country. Be sure and alert your bank that you’re planning a trip. Also, check to see what your daily withdrawal limit is. Currency exchange rates vary — and airport exchanges usually are the most expensive.Phone service is critical for travelers. Make sure your provider can accommodate international service. If it’s too expensive, consider getting a local SIM card for your phone on arrival. However, make sure your smartphone is “unlocked” by your current provider. Otherwise, you cannot change your SIM card. Still, you would be able to access the internet via Wi-Fi networks. My provider, AT&T, charges $12 per day for international destinations.“Between the TSA issues and the higher cost of flying, it’s not a great time to be an airline passenger,” said Harteveldt.Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at zoom907@me.com. Subscribe to his e-newsletter at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.
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