A fresh round of flight delays has pushed air travel back into the spotlight, as FOX Business host Liz Claman spoke with The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly about how passengers can stay ahead. The conversation, aired on The Claman Countdown, focused on the strain on the nation’s air traffic system and practical steps travelers can take.
The discussion arrives as carriers juggle weather disruptions, tight schedules, and staffing gaps at key air traffic control facilities. Travelers face longer wait times, missed connections, and rising costs tied to rebookings. The segment set out to explain what is driving the slowdowns and how flyers can prepare for a tight travel season.
FOX Business host Liz Claman talks with The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly about FAA delays and how travelers can stay ahead on ‘The Claman Countdown’.
Why Delays Are Mounting
FAA delays are not new, but recent traffic surges have intensified the pressure. Airlines built aggressive schedules after a rapid rebound, leaving little slack when thunderstorms or equipment issues hit. Air traffic control staffing remains a factor in some regions, compounding bottlenecks when demand peaks.
Technology modernization has helped in some corridors, but upgrades roll out unevenly. That uneven pace creates chokepoints during peak hours. When weather moves through major hubs, ripple effects reach smaller airports quickly.
Claman kept the focus on accountability and transparency for travelers trying to make sense of shifting departure boards. Kelly, one of the most followed consumer voices in aviation, stressed practical planning to reduce risk during a busy season.
How Travelers Can Stay Ahead
Kelly has long argued that preparation beats improvisation when delays hit. The latest guidance emphasizes earlier flights, smart routing, and backup plans.
- Book the first flight of the day to reduce weather and congestion risk.
- Choose nonstop routes when possible to avoid missed connections.
- Track aircraft and gate changes in airline apps for real-time updates.
- Know your passenger rights and rebooking options before you travel.
- Carry essentials in a personal item to manage unexpected overnights.
Travelers who can be flexible often find better outcomes. Monitoring airport social feeds and FAA advisories can flag ground stops or flow controls early. Kelly’s broader message urged passengers to act quickly when schedules shift, using app chat features and airport agents at the same time to secure the best alternative.
Industry Impact and Consumer Costs
Delays carry a cost for both airlines and passengers. Carriers face crew timeouts, aircraft repositioning, and higher customer service loads. For travelers, the price shows up in lost time and extra spending on meals or hotels when disruptions stretch overnight.
Claman pressed the consumer angle: which tools actually help, and when should passengers push for refunds or fee waivers. Kelly pointed to travel credits, same-day change policies, and credit card travel protections as levers that can soften the blow. He also noted that elite status and co-branded cards may open faster service lanes or expanded rebooking options.
What Could Improve Performance
Analysts say steady hiring at air traffic control centers, better data sharing, and realistic scheduling can ease pain points. When airports, airlines, and the FAA align on capacity limits during storm seasons, cancellations can be preemptive rather than last-minute, allowing travelers to rebook earlier.
Consumer advocates continue to call for clearer, consistent rules on compensation during disruptions caused by controllable factors. Transparency around delay causes can also guide passengers on when to seek refunds, vouchers, or alternate airlines.
Outlook for Flyers
Peak travel periods will continue to test the system. Weather remains the wild card, but the tools within travelers’ control—timing, routing, and preparation—can lower stress and risk. The segment’s core message: control what you can, plan for what you cannot, and move quickly when plans change.
As travel demand holds, small improvements—more staffing, smarter scheduling, and clearer communication—could reduce the worst snarls. For now, passengers who plan ahead and stay informed stand the best chance of reaching their destination on time.
The latest developments suggest a season of tight margins but manageable outcomes for prepared flyers. Watch for updates on staffing at busy control centers, airline schedule adjustments, and any new passenger protections. Those shifts will determine whether delays ease or extend into the next travel wave.
