I’m a travel expert – the best way to quickly book a flight if it’s been canceled as July 4 chaos continues
A TRAVEL guru has offered some insight on booking flights ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.
As the July 4th weekend has arrived, The Points Guy Founder Brian Kelly suggests travelers "be prepared for disruptions."
Speaking with , Kelly noted that "pretty much every airline" appears to be having some holiday troubles due to Covid outbreaks, staffing shortages, and a high demand for travel.
The travel expert said Delta canceled seven percent of their flights on Wednesday and American Airlines canceled eight percent of their flights on Thursday.
During Kelly's on camera interview, he said: "I highly recommend tracking your flight, not just on your airline's app, but use FlightAware.com. They actually have a flight tracking tool and a Misery Map.
"And it'll show you where the largest cancellations and delays are happening. So if you're flying out of that airport, you've got to be playing the proactive game."
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"And when your flight starts getting delayed, look for other options and rebook yourself before those seats disappear," he added.
His advice comes as more than 3,298 flights within, departing from, or arriving in the US were delayed on Friday, along with 349 cancellations, according to
For anyone who has had a flight canceled, Kelly advises: "The airline is probably not going to be able to rebook you.
"If you need to get to where you're going immediately, pull out your phone and buy yourself a new ticket.
"If you're going to wait in line for hours to be rebooked, then chances are any of the remaining seats will be snatched up."
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Kelly suggests using Google Flights to book a new flight or a site called Expert Flyer to see how many tickets are for sale on flights.
He also cautioned travelers that "airlines don't owe you anything in the US," so it's up to passengers to reach our to their credit card company for delay and cancellation coverage.
"The airlines are broke, go to your credit card company to get rembursed for those hotels and rental cars and all those extra expenses," Kelly added.
In regards to the best way on how to protect your trip, Kelly urges the importance of booking directly through the airline.
He warns: "If you booked through Expedia and others, they're going to pass you around, and no one's going to take responsibility.
"Always decline their coverage to protect your trip."
For anyone interested in obtaining coverage, Kelly insists InsureMyTrip.com is ideal to use.
To prevent lost baggage stress, Kelly tells his followers to put an Apple airtag on their luggage.
And Kelly says people traveling through Europe should avoid Dublin, Amsterdam, London and Paris.
Dallas, Atlanta, and New York airports are also more likely to have delays or cancellations as they are popular locations, Kelly explains.
Meanwhile, other experts are urging Americans to consider making plan B options this holiday weekend as severe weather could cause travel chaos over the Fourth of July.
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According to , over 47million Americans will travel over the Fourth of July weekend despite soaring gas prices and inflation woes.
However, with millions of Americans expected to hit the road or pack their bags to catch that early flight, the upcoming holiday forecast does not bode well for travelers who may want to consider a second option.