The Thrifty Traveler Podcast What We Do When Travel Goes Wrong: How to Survive Delays & Cancellations
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Nov 13, 2025 Gunnar and Kyle tackle the chaos of air travel disruptions caused by the recent government shutdown. They share essential travel strategies, from booking early to using flight tracking apps for timely updates. Discover the new perks of Bilt 2.0, and what Qatar Airways' latest fees mean for travelers. They emphasize the importance of booking directly with airlines and leveraging lounges for better service during meltdowns. Plus, enjoy highlights from their recent Palm Springs trip and listener stories that add a personal touch!
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Hosts Survive Massive Shutdown Delays
- Gunnar and Kyle both suffered major delays during the FAA staffing/shutdown meltdown last week and still made it home eventually.
- Gunnar spent 3.5 hours on the tarmac in Detroit and used a Sky Club agent to get rebooked onto a better routing.
Shutdown Effects Persist Beyond Reopening
- The government shutdown's damage to U.S. air travel won't reset overnight even if funding returns.
- Controller staffing losses and network misalignments will keep causing delays and cancellations for days or weeks.
Always Book Early Morning Flights
- Book the first flight of the day to minimize disruption risk, ideally by 9am or earlier.
- Early flights operate significantly better because aircraft sit overnight and crews start the day in position.
