Newark airport problems, security problems: what travelers should know

In a few weeks, I have a long -term vacation for an idyllic destination for a long time – and I fly away and then I go back to Newark airport.

I am especially excited for a break and a little sun. I’m less enthusiastic about getting out of an airport that has been making the headlines for several weeks.

The airport is faced with current travel chaos in the middle of air traffic control problems, track construction and even some cases of equipment failures that prevented the controllers from talking to planes. The problems intensified last month when air traffic problems forced dozens delays and more than 100 cancellations. More and more, travelers find themselves stranded in Newark.

I am not a nervous leaflet most of the time, but given the news, I would lie if I said that I was not wondering if I had to change my flight as it approaches.

So I did what journalists do. I consulted an expert. In this case, it’s Taylor Rains, Intrepid Aviation Reporter de Business Insider. Spoiler alert: She made me feel much better. Here’s what she said.

Emma Cosgrove: I’m going to get out of Newark airport in the next two weeks and the news makes me nervous. Should I be nervous?

Taylor Rains: Safety, no, even despite the problems of endowment and ATC equipment that resemble a frightening thing. Controllers and pilots are professionals and can maintain extremely high levels of security. The drop in staff will mean slower air traffic rates and departure rates, not to overload controllers – it is therefore the main problem that creates disruption concerning ATC. I am not personally nervous about security in Newark. The concern that travelers should have is if you connect to or from Newark with a short stopover. You could be delayed and miss this flight forward.

Do I have to think about changing my flight at considerable costs?

It depends on the importance of your trip. People have lacked non -refundable hotel evenings or train tickets due to delays or cancellations. Right now, I recommend avoiding Newark if your trip is flexible. Because most Newark travelers are united or its partners, this largely means that your options fly from the Laguardia or pass your Newark stopover to another united Hub. United does not fly from JFK. You will have to redirect DC, Houston, Chicago or Denver.

Say, for example, you manage a regional city to Europe via Newark. Call United and ask to be reassigned via one of the other hubs. They have many international flights from top to bottom of the east coast and the country. Currently, their policy is the flights planned between May 6 and 23 (reserved before May 4) can modify their flight for free (without change costs or difference in tariff).

The flight must be between the same two cities (or the Laguardia or Philadelphia), be the same cabin, and be 2 days before or after the flight of origin, depending on their policy. If you steal Spirit or another non -united airline, you will have to call to see your change options.

If you are looking for a book for a future flight, I would recommend going through another airport or making sure your Newark stopover is long because delays have not only left Newark but also in Newark.

To make your life easier if you are Flying through Newark, do not bring hand baggage if possible. It makes the last minute changes more flexible because you do not have a checkered bag.

In addition, please do not withdraw your frustrations on airport employees! They are just as stressed as customers and are bound by the airline rules, and they cannot in any way modify the weather or speed up the controllers. Give everyone grace and pack your patience.

Is there a difference between flights and Newark outings in terms of security?

No! There is a series of different and outgoing control installations and they all work together. If this center which has already experienced two breakdowns decreases, the pilots are trained to keep the course or their last known clearance. They will not become thugs or panicked because they do not hear Back ATC, they are trained for situations like this and can guide themselves if necessary.

Is the situation at Newark really so unique?

Yes and no. Newark has had years of ATC endowment problems that have created similar problems, it is just aggravated right now by building its main track. It is closed until mid-June, so that people can expect delays concerning this until then, in addition to any other ATC problem and weather. Dours of bad summer weather would create a trifecta of problems that will leave people sitting at their doors for several hours.

What should I watch in the days before my flight to have the best information on security and delays?

People should check their airline for updates, so register for emails and text alerts on delays, cancellations and modifications to the door. Check the boards, and honestly, go there while waiting for delays so that you don’t have surprises or disappointments. You can also consult the FAA advice website. EWR is Newark’s airport code. If you check today, on May 9, you will see 262 minutes medium delay for weather conditions and 75 minutes medium for the construction of the breads. If you fly on a sunny day, you will want to look for the track construction note and a volume note. Whoever says that the “volume” at the end refers to overcapacity or endowment problems causing delays in air traffic.