| If you're flying somewhere this summer (and who isn't?), expect the worst: crowded airports, flight changes, delays and cancellations — in a word, misery, Joann Muller reports. - But you're not entirely at the mercy of tapped-out airlines. If you're proactive, you can minimize your chances of getting stuck — or at least try to get reimbursed for your troubles.
The big picture: Due to staffing shortages and other issues, the sporadic airport meltdowns of summer and fall 2021 are becoming the norm. What's happening: Almost all major U.S. airlines have proactively cut their schedules, some by as much as 15%, acknowledging that their operations are stretched to the brink. - United, for instance, said Thursday it will cut about 50 flights a day from Newark for the remainder of the summer to ease congestion.
- Some of those revisions don't kick in until July 1, meaning we're not seeing the relief yet.
"I really want to underscore how drastic of a step it is to cut flights from a summer schedule," Scott Keyes, founder of Scott's Cheap Flights, told my colleague Nathan Bomey. "It would be akin to Walmart saying we're not going to open on Black Friday." Yes, but: Airlines say not all of the problems are within their control and that they need help from the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees air traffic control. What you need to know: By law, "a consumer is entitled to a refund if the airline canceled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel," per the Department of Transportation. - You're also entitled to a refund if there's a significant schedule change or delay and you opt not to travel.
- But crucially, there's no hard-and-fast rule around what "significant delay" means. The "chooses not to travel" language is key too — you fly, you buy.
- And travelers often have to pursue their own refunds — airlines don't always issue them automatically, and squeaky wheels get the grease.
What's next: Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and other lawmakers are pushing for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights that would, among other things, require airlines to cover passengers' meals and lodging costs if they're delayed more than four hours. - Their bill has been sitting idle on the proverbial tarmac, but it could get new life as the summer of airline hell drags on.
The bottom line: Passengers should be proactive and not wait for the airline to tell them there's a problem. And set your expectations accordingly — air travel won't be smooth for a long while. - Monitor the weather at your departure airport, your destination and wherever your plane is coming from. Sites like FlightAware can help with this.
- If a long delay looks likely, start exploring alternatives early, using your airline's app. Look into other airlines too — the refund on your original flight could be enough to cover switching airlines.
- If you booked your flight with a credit card, your provider may be able to help you change your arrangements or get refunded.
Of note: The Points Guy has a lot more tips here. Read the full story. | 
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