How to Weather-Proof Your Vacation

Check historical weather patterns for your origin and destination, before you book your trip, at Weather Underground.

Just tell Weather.com where you’re traveling, and the site will send you an e-mail or text if severe weather threatens your destination.

If you have to make one or two stops en route to your final destination, you’re more likely to be impacted by bad weather. And remember that a direct flight (one or more stops without changing planes) is not the same as a nonstop.

Book a morning flight. Airlines may postpone takeoffs until there is a gap in the storm system. But if your flight is among the last at night, the airline is more likely to cancel the flight altogether.

Sign up for flight status notifications from flightstats.com or from your airline. They’ll send updates to your smartphone in the event of delays or cancellations.

Don’t assume every flight to your destination is being scratched just because yours was. Call your travel agent to check. Read the departures board and call competing airlines that may still continue flying to your destination or nearby. Be aware, though, that a new, last-minute airfare will probably cost more than the refund you’ll be owed for the canceled flight.

You may end up waiting for hours, or even overnight, for bad weather to clear.

Always pack stuck-in-the-terminal clothing and amenities in a carry-on bag, including toiletries, eye mask, reading material, water, snacks, and a light sweater or jacket.

In the event of a long delay, always ask for meal vouchers or accommodations. Unfortunately, airlines aren’t obligated to offer them in the event of weather delays and cancellations, though they’ve been known to sometimes do so. Otherwise, ask if you can buy a day pass to their business-class lounge, where you’ll be more comfortable during a lengthy interruption.

Your mobile device is a travel tool. Use it strategically (and don’t forget to keep the charger in your carry-on). Program in your travel information like your passport number and reservation codes, along with phone numbers and web addresses for your airline, hotel, and travel agent.

If your departure is scrubbed, you might be inclined to rebook on the very next flight you can get. But that won’t do you much good if that one gets canceled, too. You may be better off if you rebook for a time and/or day based on the prediction of better weather, so continue to monitor the weather on The Weather Channel or online.

If the airport shuts down before you check out of your hotel, immediately call the front desk and book another day or two, as necessary. If it has already sold your room to someone else, ask for the front desk’s help in finding you lodgings nearby. Watch out for price gouging—and complain if a hotel tries it. It may be in violation of state or local laws or in violation of a hotel chain policy.

Someone who is not caught up personally in a dramatic travel delay may have a calmer and broader perspective. Travel agents have that. They also have access to inside information that most travelers don’t.