What does it mean when your flight is delayed?

[Poohbear123]

I just checked SW site and my flight is "delayed." Hope I get to WDW on time!

 

[safetymom]

It means that the flight is running behind schedule. It could be a delay due to weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical. If it isn't delayed much they have extra time built into the flight so you may just arrive at the scheduled time even with a delay.

 

[Poohbear123]

OK thanks, its delayed for 15 min so far.

 

[safetymom]

Just keep an eye on it because it can change. If it isn't a very long delay I still head to the airport in case the delay goes away.

 

[ducklite]

Just because the weather is nice where you are and where you are going, doesn't mean you can't get delayed. There's some terrible weather in the Ohio valley and VA right now, and through Central NY. It's very possible your flight might be stuck someplace that is being affected by a storm, and it could even cancel. Best bet is to get to the airport, and see if they cna get you on another flight.

I got lucky yesterday, flying from BUF to MCO via PHL. My original flight from BUF to PHL was delayed by three+ hours, which would have made me miss my connection. They automatically moved me to an earlier flight which was delayed so it was leaving about the time my original flight should have. They were moving people to the earlier flight in the order they arrived at the airport, and when we took off there were 30+ people on a standby list at the gate who were probably stuck in BUF for the night.

Anne

 

[seashoreCM]

... if you don't check in by the original check in deadline even if the flight is delayed.

They would still have to honor your ticket as-is on a later flight.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[margaretCT]

Is there such a thing as a "reverse" bump? I'm in WDW now and am scheduled to fly out on SW at 7:00 am Friday morning back to CT. Forecast for CT Friday morning is 6 inches of snow! I wouldn't mind leaving a day earlier since the weather forecast for WDW Thursday is rain. I called SW earlier today but they said it would cost an extra $153 per person to change flights from Friday to Thursday. You would think they would want us on a Thursday flight if available in order to give them a few less disgruntled passengers to deal with on Friday!

Anyway, should I still get to MCO at the scheduled time even if flight is delayed? In all my trips to WDW, this is the first time I've been affected by weather. Any tips on killing time at MCO?

Margaret in rainy Florida headed to snowy Connecticut

 

[beccasmom]

Some airports seem to have delays every single day at certain times - Newark and LaGuardia come to mind here. Dallas as well. And that can have a ripple effect throughout the system. It could be weather - a good bet at this time of year, especially since we are expecting a snowstorm on the east coast. Could also be equipment problems. We were delayed in MCO in November because of that, but SWA was very forthcoming with information and the delay was only an hour (we were going home and in no huge rush, thankfully).

 

[safetymom]

There is plenty to see and do at MCO. Lots of shops on the landside. I would keep checking the delays on your airlines website.

 

[Poohbear123]

Just back, got to my room at 4:30 instead of 3:30 that was OK. Have no idea WHY it was delayed for 25 min though.