AAA is forecasting a busy July 4th travel weekend. The agency is anticipating record-breaking travel numbers, with 43.2 million people taking to the roads and 4.17 million Americans to fly this holiday weekend. Air travel is already off to a bumpy start this week, with United Airlines reporting several days of service disruptions due to bad weather and in part by other factors like the FAA shortage. It’s raising concern about whether airlines are prepared for the holiday travel demand.
Larry Yu is a professor of hospitality management at the George Washington University. Professor Yu’s current research focuses on hotel market analysis, tourism product value chain analysis, tourist satisfaction and hospitality crisis management. Yu says there are a couple of ways travelers can reduce anxiety around traveling this weekend, especially if they’re taking a plane.
“If your flight is delayed or cancelled, be sure to communicate with your airline service representative about rebooking and the rights you’re entitled to upon cancellation, like compensation for meals, hotels and other transportation,” Yu says. “If your flight is cancelled, remember to think about the effect of that cancellation on all of your other travel plans. That means cancelling your hotel room reservation at your destination if you can and checking your travel insurance if you purchased it.
Additionally, ancillary services at the airport will also test travelers’ patience with crowded airport parking lots and long security wait times. Stay positive and be courteous to fellow passengers as well as airport and airline staff.”
Yu can also discuss the summer travel demand, both domestically and international, as well as the challenges that continue to plague air travel companies in minimizing delays and disruptions.
If you would like to speak with Professor Yu, please contact GW Media Relations Specialist Cate Douglass at [email protected].
-GW-
