Billings, Montana – Unlike some other years, including last year, when American passengers saw a lot of travel disruptions as a result of cancelled and delayed flights, this year the situation was much better during the holiday period. On the second day of the new year, the Billings-Logan International Airport looked empty, not because there weren’t any flyers, but simply because there were no flight cancellations and delays, something that was confirmed by several passengers on the spot.
Many people were pleasantly surprised by the smoother travel experience this holiday season, especially compared to the chaotic travel during the 2022 holidays. A lot of the issues last year were due to technical problems with Southwest Airlines. KTVQ interviewed several passengers at the airport. Jonathan Cox, who was at the Billings airport, mentioned that he didn’t encounter any troubles this year, unlike last year when countless travelers faced issues.
This past holiday season noticeably better compared to 2022
Travel specialists note that this year’s holiday travel was significantly better than in 2022, but it wasn’t completely problem-free.
Travel experts said the most recent conditions for holiday travel are a major improvement from 2022, though the conditions are not entirely without problems.
“The airlines are still struggling with pilot shortages. They’re reassigning aircrafts here and there based on needs,” said Billie Ruff, the president and CEO of Travel Cafe, a Billings-based travel agency.
For those dealing with cancellations or delays, there are resources to help get compensation from the airlines.
- The Passenger Bill of Rights
- The Department of Transportation Complaint Form
- The Better Business Bureau Complaint Form
- Small Claims Court Filings
Getting help for flight cancellations and delays can be a long and tough process, and there’s no guarantee it will work out. Sometimes, reaching out in other ways can be quicker and easier. The quickest way to get an airline’s attention for a service issue is to post about it on social media, according to Ruff.
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For future flights, to dodge long delays and cancellations, experts suggest booking flights early in the day.
“I also recommend not ever taking the last flight of the day. If you’re canceled, you’re not gonna get on a flight that same day and you’re paying for a hotel or sleeping in an airport,” said Ruff.
