1. Now is the time to consider your non-flight options

If you’re able, reserve a refundable Amtrak ticket today. As air travel conditions worsen, train tickets will book up. Amtrak service connects Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and other nearby cities — all within easy driving distance of Frederick. Trains are less affected by the current shutdown and often more reliable (and scenic!) - but they will book up!

2. Sign up for real-time flight alerts

Download the FlightAware app and turn on notifications. It often reports delays and cancellations before airlines do — giving you valuable head-start time to act.

3. Build a backup plan

• Pre-identify alternate flights on your route for the day you’re traveling. Write down their flight numbers so you’re ready if your original gets canceled.

• Know your radius. Look at airports within roughly 100 miles of both your departure city and Frederick. This gives you flexibility for “sister city” reroutes if needed.

4. Get to know your airline’s app

Your airline’s app is your command center. Log in before travel day, make sure your notifications are on, and know where to find “Change Flight,” “Chat,” or “Rebook.” If anything goes sideways, it’s the fastest way to take control of your trip.

5. Plan for an extra hour at the airport

Staffing shortages and TSA slowdowns are real. The MyTSA app’s data is no longer maintained, so it’s safest to assume longer lines. Add at least an hour to your normal airport arrival time.

6. If you have PreCheck, make sure it’s active and on your ticket

Double-check that your Known Traveler Number is attached to your reservation and shows up on your boarding pass. If your airline offers Touchless ID, opt in ahead of time for faster screening.

Take a deep breath. Then work through these steps — in order:

1. Open your airline’s app immediately.
   Most major airlines let you change or rebook right in the app, often faster than waiting in line or on hold.

   • Delta – Fly Delta App (iOS & Android)

   • United – United App (iOS & Android)

   • Southwest – Southwest App (iOS & Android)

   • American Airlines – American Airlines App (iOS & Android)

   • JetBlue – JetBlue App (iOS & Android)

   • Alaska Airlines – Alaska Airlines App (iOS & Android)

2. Check for other flights.
   Use the app’s “Change Flight” or “My Trips” section to look for open seats on later flights that day. Even if you’re not prompted to rebook automatically, you can usually make the change yourself.

3. Ask about “sister city” reroutes.
   When you reach a gate or phone agent, ask: “Can you rebook me through a nearby airport?”
   Many airlines can move you to another airport within 100–300 miles, but they don’t always offer this automatically — you have to ask.

4. If all else fails, consider other airports near Frederick.
   You can arrive through:

   • BWI – Baltimore/Washington International (~1 hr 10 min)

   • DCA – Washington National (Reagan) (~1 hr 15 min)

   • IAD – Dulles International (~1 hr 15 min)

   • HGR – Hagerstown Regional (~40 min)

   • RIC – Richmond International (VA) (~2½ hrs, backup option)

5. Keep perspective.
   Everyone working in the airport is under pressure right now. A little patience and kindness can make a tough situation easier — and might even help you get rebooked faster.

🧳 Pre-Travel Checklist

• Turn on text alerts from your airline

• Download FlightAware for real-time updates

• Install your airline’s app and make sure you’re signed in (links below)

• Jot down backup flight numbers and nearby airports within 100 miles of both your home and Frederick

• Check historic TSA wait times (not current - they’re wrong) in the MyTSA app and add +1 hour

• Confirm your Known Traveler Number and opt into TSA Touchless ID if eligible

• Whenever possible, book a morning flight — late-day flights are more likely to face cascading delays

• Pack patience, snacks, and a portable charger — those are your real superpowers right now