Airlines don’t always reveal the full story behind flight delays or cancellations. Often, “weather” is cited as the cause, a convenient explanation that shields the airline from liability. However, the true reason could significantly impact your compensation and rights. ExpertFlyer, a tool used by travel professionals, may provide access to these details.
If a delay stems from airline control (crew shortages, aircraft issues), you may be entitled to reimbursements for accommodations, meals, and expenses. Conversely, if the delay is due to unavoidable factors (weather), the responsibility falls on you. Understanding the cause is vital – and sometimes, airlines will only reveal it when pressed.
What is ExpertFlyer?
ExpertFlyer is a subscription-based service that provides access to airline inventory, award availability, and detailed flight information. It’s primarily used by frequent travelers and agents seeking optimal travel arrangements.
- The free tier allows seat alerts.
- The Basic tier ($4.99/month) enables limited award searches and four alerts.
- The Premium tier ($9.99/month) unlocks the full power, including unlimited searches, 200 alerts, and access to operational flight comments.
To see delay/cancellation reasons, you need a Premium subscription. A five-day free trial is available if you’re willing to sign up.
How to Check Delay Reasons
- Log in to your Premium ExpertFlyer account.
- Click Flight Status in the left-hand menu.
- Enter the date, airline code, and flight number.
- On the results page, click View additional comments.
If the airline publishes operational notes in the Global Distribution System (GDS), you may see the specific reason for the delay or cancellation. For example, an aircraft equipment swap might be the true cause, not weather.
Why It Doesn’t Always Work
ExpertFlyer relies on airlines publishing detailed status updates in the GDS. Not all airlines do.
- American Airlines and Alaska Airlines generally provide useful comments.
- Delta Air Lines and budget carriers often lack detailed explanations.
- United Airlines is inconsistent.
- International carriers using Amadeus (like British Airways) are more likely to share delay reasons.
Also, the information is only available for flights within the past seven days and the next three. Check immediately after a delay and take a screenshot, as data may disappear quickly.
Airlines can obscure the true causes of delays, but ExpertFlyer offers a path to transparency. If you suspect foul play, this tool could be your best bet for obtaining the facts.
