Summer travelers face rising costs, hope to avoid cancellations

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) At Southwest Florida International Airport, travelers told WINK News they are already adjusting vacation plans as costs continue climbing.

“It’s really hard to budget right now with the prices,” said traveler Tamara Donleavy, who recently flew into Southwest Florida from San Francisco on a red-eye flight.

Donleavy said her family now carefully compares airfare costs, driving expenses, and travel flexibility before booking trips.

“Just looking at the prices from San Francisco to Nashville in summertime, it’s just not reasonable,” she said.

Travel advisor Jackie Rategan, franchise owner and travel advisor with Cruise Plannerz, says rising fuel costs, summer storms, and changing airline schedules are creating more uncertainty for travelers.

“Make sure that you’re aware that there’s gonna be changes, and there’s gonna have to be some flexibility,” Rategan said.

WINK News took a closer look at current U.S. Department of Transportation passenger protections. Current federal rules state that passengers who choose not to travel after a canceled or significantly changed flight may be entitled to a full refund instead of a travel voucher.

Rategan says travelers should think carefully before accepting travel credits or vouchers.

“If you do have to take a voucher, just be aware that it’s gonna cost more to rebook exactly what got canceled,” she said.

Donleavy says her family learned that lesson firsthand after dealing with a canceled trip years ago.

“They gave you a voucher that I think lasted six months,” Donleavy said. “We ate a couple thousand, because it was a family of five, and we didn’t use it within six months.”

Travel experts say passengers should understand airline policies before booking and prepare for possible disruptions ahead of time.

Rategan recommends booking earlier flights in the day, giving extra time before major events like cruises or weddings, purchasing travel insurance and downloading airline apps before heading to the airport.

“The best thing you can do is have a plan B and even a plan C,” Rategan said.