Sequester delays

I think they might be worried about their flight TO Toronto from US being delayed from taking off due to air traffic control.

Since their layover is in Canada< why would there be "sequester delays"? They're asking about the flight that gets them to Canada. I'm taking a flight across the pond this weekend and have been monitoring delays since the sequester started. So far there hasn't been a delay of more than 15 minutes out of Newark; every airport is different of course. So I would recommend monitoring the flight' number's departure status via the airline website everyday until the trip. This way you can get a rough idea of what to expect.

OK, now I understand. Thanks for explaining.

I have an upcoming flight across the other big ocean very soon and have been watching this as well...especially problematic with two connections at big U.S. hubs before my last leg out. I'm sort of 50-50 on travel insurance...sometimes I purchase it and sometimes I don't. The probability here with respect to big delays and possible cancellations seems to make a compelling case for the insurance. On that note, I just heard today that United is raising their change fee from $250 to $300 for international flights. Nice! I wouldn't pay the change fees for an earlier flight, Grier. Just monitor the situation, maybe buy travel insurance, and then just go. I like NY Michael's suggestion to monitor the flight numbers during this period.

hi, they can 2x the layover time but that wont guarantee anything. if they booked their flights as one ticket, then the airlines is responsible to get them to their final destination. if not, then its up to them. happy trails.

Ditto Ray. Buy trip insurance, and don't worry....be happy.

You cannot worry about something you don't have control of. Be sure to check on your flight online to verify the time you're leaving.
And remember who's responsible next election for holding the FAA hostage.

You cannot worry about something you don't have control of. Be sure to check on your flight online to verify the time you're leaving.
And remember who's responsible next election for holding the FAA hostage.

I like non-stop flights with the first day spent recovering from jetlag. The only strategy I know to avoid inconsistent flight schedules is to avoid the two-part flights, or intentionally stay a day or two at the first stop before going on. I had a two-part flight last spring to London. The first delay in San Francisco was due to weather. The second delay at Dulles was due to mechanical problems. We arrived in London (18 hours late) just under the curfew time of 1 am. Of course, there was a struggle for hotel rooms among those of us who couldn't get to our reserved hotels.

Since their layover is in Canada< why would there be "sequester delays"?

It seems unlikely to me that "sequester delays" would be listed as an acceptable reason, for insurance purposes, for needing to change flights. Read the fine print carefully. Most will only pay under specific circumstances (remember the volcano?).

Of course, that specific exclusion wouldn't be listed nor covered as "sequester delay". However, some policies will reimburse policyholders for costs incurred during significant delays or cancellations caused by a variety of covered reasons. As you said, you really need to read the policy. As far as the volcano in Iceland is concerned, I recall that some insurers ended up covering their policyholders at first before changing the rules later for new policies after a certain date...the language was unclear or didn't adequately address the issue at first as I recall. My memory may be off, but I think that's about right.

hi again, insurance is good thing but only if they pay up. and it really doesnt do you any good if youre stranded somewhere. its only good for after the fact. also, knowing insurance companies and how they like to keep their $$$, i would read the fine print and verify "sequestration" or their equivalent is covered. just my 0.02 happy trails.

Your memory is correct. That specific reason was not covered but different policies made their own decisions (as did some airlines). But I wouldn't buy insurance on the off-chance that they might decide to cover any non-specified delay.

If there is an earlier flight on the day of departure to Toronto, go and stand by for that flight. You can stand by for an earlier without losing your reservation, but you need to be clear with the staff and probably a fee $50 fee. I certainly would not change airlines. The money may be well spent. You can relax in the Toronto airport. Pam

Sorry, but what is a sequester delay?

Airport delays in the US due to budget constraints affecting air traffic controllers. It's a dumb name, thought up by dumb polititians who can't get their act together and pass an intelligent budget! Enough said.

I read on the MSNBC news a few minutes ago the Senate unanamously passed a bill to eliminate the cuts to FAA thus stopping the airlines's delays. This wouldn't have happened if the Republicans hadn't dreamed up the sequester in the first place.

Congress is in recess next week. Personally, I think the only reason that the Senate passed the emergency legislation today is because none of them wants to deal with a flight delay when they go home tomorrow. got that right. happy trails.

According to news stories I've seen on the "Sequester Delays" (from a variety of sources including CNN and the usual networks), the Controllers may only be off work one day per week (Monday?). Those that aren't taking flights that day may not be affected? Hopefully that whole situation gets sorted out quickly. Cheers!

While there are many fine attributes of Canada's society and system I personally prefer over ours, the grass isn't always greener, just like it's not always greener in Europe. For example, mall shootings occur in Canada, and crazy dudes with Kalashnikovs mow down innocent people in France. And, of course, there are nasty left-right political fights and corrupt politicians in Canada, too, just like here, and there are plenty of examples of government not working in Canada. Still, I would think the Republicans in the U.S. Congress would be so giddy over sequester defunding for the two most evil programs of all time (i.e. public TV and National Endowment for the Arts) that a little blip like air traffic delays wouldn't bother them much, except that they want to be on time when they fly home for the recess this weekend.

Many thanks for the suggestions and discussion.