concerned about flying in winter

[azdisneymom]

We are flying SWA in January. Our return flight is from MCO to AZ with two stops, Detroit and Chicago. (only choice available since we booked late using a reward ticket) My concern is about the weather. Is it usually good or is there a chance we could get stuck someplace? Am I stressing over nothing? Thanks for your help.

[Reedy Creek Buccaneer]

There is a risk of getting stuck somewhere anytime you fly, even in Florida. I would say flying to Detroit and Chicago during wintertime there is a definite possibility of getting stuck. Pray for a mild winter!!!!

[Pookie]

I live in Michigan and have taken several flights during the winter months, particularly February and January. There is always a possiblity that you could get stuck in Flint, Detroit or Chicago, but luckily for us, that has never happened. Our flights have never been delayed either!

[Disneytrotters]

We also live in Michigan (northern) and frequently fly to Orlando during the winter months. You can almost guarantee that you will have some sort of delay in either Detroit or Chicago for de-icing, but usually it's not too bad. Of course, living clear up North, we have separate travel issues, like flights being cancelled for lack of pilots, so it is doubtful that we will arrive back home when scheduled. Have a great trip.

[SBETigg]

There's a chance but it's not as likely as you might imagine. I've taken off in nasty snow and ice storms from Chicago, from Detroit, and from CT with wind whipping and ice coating the wings. They do their best to stay on schedule and cancel in the worst of conditions, but generally they are very good at de-icing and combatting bad weather.

[kakn7294]

It's always risky flying in winter but unless there's a bad storm, you shouldn't have any major issues. The plane maintenance crews are usually really good about keeping the planes de-iced and ready to fly. The airlines demand it because let's face it, time is money for them! They don't want delays anymore than you do. Try to relax and not worry about it - there's really nothing that worrying will gain you - you can't control the weather!

[heidi614]

Well if you fly early in the day there is a chance you could get another flight on another airline if it opens up. if not, you get another day of vacation at a hotel. If there is a delay go ahead and get a hotel ASAP then you won't be sleeping in a lovely airport. Chances are you'll be fine. If I can travel by myself with two small kids and miss a connection, my sons spills pop on his pants while landing and no change of clothes. Alone in Atlanta at 12am taking a scary tram and bus to the hotel. You can do anything!

[DizneyRox]

AIrlines usually do whatever they can to keep themselves in business. Leaving a plane where it's not supposed to be really messes up their schedules.

On a flight once during a snowstorm, the plane got a little sideways on take-off. They aborted and the pilot come on the intercom and said, "Let's try that again!".

We did get off the ground the second time...

[BronxTigger]

On a flight once during a snowstorm, the plane got a little sideways on take-off. They aborted and the pilot come on the intercom and said, "Let's try that again!".

We did get off the ground the second time...

Uhhhhh, yeah....in that situation it wouldn't be soda on people's pants!


I agree with what the others have said. If you are flying in winter, make sure you have a basic change of clothes and some important toiletries in your carry on, particularly a toothbrush and toothpaste (less than 3oz). Carry enough cash and snacks in case you are stranded at an airport in a storm.

If you are prepared for a delay or getting stranded then it should be okay despite the inconvenience.

[azdisneymom]

On a flight once during a snowstorm, the plane got a little sideways on take-off. They aborted and the pilot come on the intercom and said, "Let's try that again!".

We did get off the ground the second time...

[brownie]

Delays, yes, but unless there's a major snowstorm I wouldn't worry too much about being stuck. Besides, you could end up getting stuck in Orlando due to the weather in Detroit or Chicago!

[irish1967]

I live in the Chicago area and have to say that I have actually been delayed more often during other times of year (fog, thunderstorms, etc) than I have flying during the winter months.

Also, now that I think about it, I've had more delays in Florida due to local weather than anywhere else.

But the most exciting delay I had was in L.A. in 1994 during an earthquake.

AZDISNEYMOM I wouldn't say you are stressing over nothing, but you are definitely stressing over something that is out of your control and something that is a possibility throughout the year.

[azdisneymom]

Thank you all for your encouraging words! I just have to look at it as an adventure. I am so familiar with short rain showers and duststorms but snow is still a bit scary for me. Drove on black ice once - don't want to do that again.

You have all helped. I guess that is what Intercot is all about.

[TheRustyScupper]

1) You have a excellent chance of delays.
2) The only question is "how long is the delay".
3) You can expect
. . . inbound delays in landing
. . . outbound delays in taking off
4) Affecting your itinerary
. . . inbound delays might make you miss the upcoming leg
. . . outbound delays might miss the following leg
5) Try to get early AM flights to minimize delay effects.
6) Remember, no food or hotel allowance for weather-related problems.

NOTE: Check CNN Weather.com before you leave. They frequently give updates as to airport delays. EVEN IN GOOD WEATHER, Chicago delays start about 9:00am and get worse through the day.

[mudpuppysmom]

As a lot of people have said, you have a good chance of being delayed anywhere.....the sun may be shining where you are, but if you have a layover where it is snowing or freezing rain, there is going to more than likely be a delay.

Last January in Pgh we were de-iced twice before we finally took off over an hour late. Did I mind.........not when I knew they had safety in mind......sure the de-icing took a while, but DS thought it was like going thru the car wash......and he really likes that!

[tyandskyesmom]

We are in Chicago and fly SWA out of Midway. We also like to fly in the winter. We have yet to have a problem. SWA and Midway are really good at trying to keep to a schedule safely. We will be flying in the beginning of January and are keeping our fingers crossed for all of the bad weather to happen while we are in Orlando for 13 days!!!

53 more days!!!