Flight delays are a common frustration, but one meteorologist offers advice on scheduling flights to minimize disruptions. Chris Bianchi, a meteorologist with NBC affiliate 9News in Denver, shared tips on TikTok that have garnered significant attention, with over 7,600 likes and 300 comments.
Bianchi emphasizes avoiding afternoon and evening flights during the summer. “Never book a flight in the afternoon, or especially, at night during the summertime months in the United States,” he advises. The likelihood of thunderstorms disrupting flights is high during these times, potentially causing significant delays.
This advice comes from Bianchi’s personal experience, where he found himself stuck at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport due to delays, highlighting the risks of afternoon and evening flights.
When such flights are unavoidable, Bianchi recommends being prepared by using flight radar apps like FlightAware and Flightradar24. These tools allow travelers to track their inbound flights and monitor weather conditions at departure and arrival points. “Check the weather in those places,” Bianchi suggests, as weather issues at connecting airports can significantly impact flight schedules.
Additionally, Bianchi suggests booking a second, fully refundable flight as a backup. This strategy can save travelers from prolonged delays and rescheduling headaches. He shares his own misfortune of waiting at LaGuardia’s Terminal B for a 4 a.m. flight, underscoring the importance of contingency planning.
For year-round travel, booking early morning flights is generally advisable. These flights are less likely to be delayed since the aircraft is often already at the airport from the night before, and delays have not yet accumulated.
Bianchi’s advice is particularly relevant ahead of a busy summer travel season. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates over 32 million travelers flying between June 27 and July 8 for the Fourth of July holiday period.