Don’t Let Newark Airport Flight Delays and Cancellations Ruin Your Trip. Here’s What You Can Do

Hundreds of flight delays and cancelations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey have wreaked havoc on traveler’s plans and wallets. 

Last week, the Philadelphia air traffic control center, which is responsible for Newark Airport (EWR) airspace, temporarily lost its radar and communications for flights in and out of the airport. Controllers weren’t able to hear, see or get in touch with pilots. The Federal Aviation Administration called out the “antiquated air traffic control system” for affecting their workforce in an emailed statement.   

After this incident, 20% of the airport’s controllers took leave under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, which covers federal employees who are injured or traumatized while working. The shortage of controllers, plus the construction taking place on one of the airport’s two runways, has led to further flight disruptions.

“This particular air traffic control facility has been chronically understaffed for years,” said United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby in a statement. “Newark airport cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead.”

At the time of writing, the FAA estimates the average delay out of Newark is 48 minutes, but on Wednesday it was over four hours. This morning, there were 106 flight delays and 40 flight cancellations out of EWR, according to FlightAware. 

You can’t always prevent flight delays or cancellations, but you can try to avoid them and plan ahead with the right travel credit card.

Look into other airports instead of Newark

The best way to prevent a trip delay out of Newark is to avoid flying or connecting through the airport altogether. If you can, travel to and from a nearby airport like JFK International Airport or LaGuardia Airport to avoid any potential headaches. Flight delays and cancellations can happen anywhere, but it’s more of a possibility in Newark right now. 

If Newark is your connecting flight, look into other connecting airports. You can sometimes change your connecting flight after booking depending on your destination and the airline’s policy. Philadelphia International Airport may be an option depending on where you’re headed. 

Protect your purchase with trip delay reimbursement 

Many travel credit cards offer trip delay reimbursement if your flight is delayed for a covered reason, like equipment failure or inclement weather. This perk helps cover expenses that are usually non-refundable or not provided by airlines, such as a hotel stay, transportation and food.
Some airlines will offer vouchers for these expenses if your flight is canceled until the next day or if the delay is over three hours. Depending on your credit card issuer, the benefits you get as a cardholder may be better than what the airline offers — like hotel choices and spending limits. So it’s best to compare options.

There are a few limits and rules to consider when filing a trip delay reimbursement claim with your credit card company. 

• You must be delayed for a certain amount of time before you can use your card’s trip delay reimbursement benefit. For example, Chase requires 12 hours for most cardholders but only six for Sapphire Reserve cardholders. 
• There’s usually a limit on how much your card issuer will cover, such as $500 per person for unreimbursed expenses.
• You’ll need proof that your flight was delayed and any expenses you incurred. Usually, a letter from the airport and receipts of your purchases will suffice when filing the claim. 
• You must have booked the flight on your card for the trip to qualify. 

Travel credit cards with trip delay reimbursement 

Here are a few travel cards that offer trip delay reimbursement. Keep in mind that some hotel and airline credit cards also have this perk and may be worth considering if you’re loyal to a specific brand. Before applying, make sure the card’s annual fee matches your travel habits. If you can’t take full advantage of the card, the fee might not be worth the cost.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

What to know before you file a claim with your credit card issuer

It’s best to make sure your trip qualifies before you file a claim. Call your card issuer or check the website to understand any requirements. Hang on to any receipts and other documents during the delay, as you’ll need them to file your claim. And remember to always make the trip purchase on your card to qualify for the benefits. Simply being a cardholder won’t do. 

*All information about the Chase Sapphire Preferred, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.