When bad weather hits a hub city, things can go down hill in a quick way. This past weekend this occurred in Chicago. We sat on the ramp in St. Louis for 40 minutes because of an air traffic control hold on inbound and outbound flights for Chicago. Unfortunately when the weather is bad, there is nothing that anyone can do. Flights can be delayed for several hours and there is nothing the airlines, the people working behind the counters, or even air traffic control can do. It is just a part of flying. However there are some good tips to always keep in mind if this situation occurs with you. 1. Do not worry about your connecting flight. If you are in a weather hold pattern, it is most likely that your connecting flight has been delayed too. If you miss your connecting flight, the airlines will get you confirmed on the next flight if there are seats open. They will work with you the best they can.
2. Do not ask the flight attendant on your current plane if you are going to make it to your connection. They know everything you know. They do get print offs of the gate information of the different fights, but in weather situations, gates tend to change a lot. Mine changed 6 times on Sunday. So when you get off your plane, check the monitors and see where your gate is.
3. Be pleasant. I do not know how many times I have to stress this. It is not the gate agent's fault your aircraft is delayed. Be nice. It got me an exit row and a free business class upgrade.
If your flight is delayed even longer. Go grab something to eat and do a bit of people watching or shopping. Do not stress. It will just make your flight and travels an unpleasant experience.
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