Photo: TZIDO SUN/Shutterstock

How to Find if Your Flight Will Be Delayed the Day Before You Take Off

Airports + Flying
by Morgane Croissant Apr 3, 2024

No matter what kind of traveler you are, the one who arrives at the airport hours before a flight, or the one who shows up at the last minute, a delayed flight is never good news. The best case scenario is that because of the delay, you’ll have to spend even more time hanging around the airport, purchasing expensive food and sitting on uncomfortable seats (unless you have access to a lounge). The worst case scenario is that you’re going to miss all your connections and you’ll need to rearrange your entire itinerary at the last minute. No matter what, you won’t be enjoying any of it.

There’s a way, however, to check if your flight is delayed even before you leave your home to get to the airport. As explained by flight attendant Ciciinthesky in a TikTok video, there are two websites you need to check before a flight. The first one is the Federal Aviation Administration’s National Airspace System Status, which you can check as early as the night before a morning flight to see all the current airport disruptions that are likely to mess up your trip. The second one is Flight Aware, a flight tracking website that allows you to see where the plane you’ll be riding on is at any time. If the plane you’re supposed to travel on starting at 8 AM from Denver International Airport is still sitting in LaGuardia at 6 AM, you know you won’t be boarding on time and you can chill on the couch for a little while longer.

@ciciinthesky The National Airspace System Status website)nasstatus.faa.gov) serves as a vital travel companion, offering real-time updates on air traffic conditions, airport delays, and weather-related disruptions. Travelers rely on this user-friendly portal to plan their journeys with confidence. It provides essential information on airport delays and airspace congestion, ensuring smooth transitions through the skies. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, this website is your go-to source for staying informed and avoiding travel hiccups. With its comprehensive data it's the key to staying in the know on your next trip #flightdelays #travelresources #traveltips2024 #winterweather #winterflying ♬ original sound – CiCi in the Sky

It goes without saying that you also need to check the status of your flight via the airline’s app to see what your options are and what the airline is recommending you do.

If your flight is delayed and you decide to hang out at home a little longer at home before heading out to the airport, check out if you can book a spot in the security line to save time and make things a little less stressful.

Discover Matador