Flying in Cold Weather: 9 Essential Tips

Winter travel can be a fantastic experience, but flying in cold weather comes with challenges. Snowstorms, icy conditions, and unpredictable weather can cause delays or cancellations, and the cold can make your journey less comfortable.

To help you travel smoothly and safely, follow these nine essential tips for flying in cold weather.

1. Plan for Delays and Cancellations

Flying in cold weather often means dealing with unpredictable flight schedules. Winter weather, especially in regions with snow, ice, and storms, can cause significant disruptions to flight schedules. Even if your departure city has sunny skies, bad weather at your destination or a connecting hub can result in delays or cancellations. Here’s how you can plan ahead:

Check the Weather Forecast: A few days before your trip, start checking the weather forecast for both your departure and arrival cities. Pay attention to conditions like snow, freezing rain, or high winds.
Sign Up for Flight Alerts: Most airlines offer real-time flight updates via text, email, or mobile apps. Sign up for these alerts when booking your flight so you can stay updated on any changes.
Consider Buffer Time: If you’re flying for a special event, like a wedding or holiday gathering, build in extra time in case of delays. Consider arriving a day early, especially if your event is on the same day as your flight.

Pro Tip: Morning Flights Are Less Likely to Be Delayed

Morning flights are often less affected by delays as earlier flights can help you avoid the ripple effect of delays throughout the day.

2. Dress and Pack Smart for Winter Travel

Comfort is key when flying in cold weather. Packing the right items in your carry-on can make a huge difference in your winter flying experience. You’ll need to be prepared for cold weather and the possibility of being stuck in the airport longer than expected. Here are some tips:

Dress in Layers: Airports and planes can be hot or cold, so dress in layers. Start with a base layer like a T-shirt, add a sweater or hoodie, and finally, a winter jacket. This way, you can adjust according to the temperature.
Carry a Winter Coat: Even if you’re heading somewhere warm, you’ll need a winter coat to keep you warm between your house and the airport and on the plane if it’s chilly. Choose a coat that can be easily packed or draped over your carry-on.
Pack Winter Essentials in Your Carry-On: In case of a delay or lost luggage, have your essentials in your carry-on. This should include:
- A beanie, gloves, and scarf
- A travel-size moisturiser and lip balm (winter air is dry)

Pro Tip: Use a Soft-Sided Carry-On Bag

Soft-sided carry-on bags are more flexible and easier to fit into tight overhead compartments, especially on smaller planes with limited space. This flexibility can be helpful during busy winter travel when flights are full and overhead bin space fills up quickly with coats and other winter gear.

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3. Arrive Early and Be Ready for Longer Security Lines

During winter, airports can get busy, especially around the holidays. Snow and ice may also slow down ground transportation, making it more challenging to get to the airport. Here’s how to manage your time:

Leave Early: Give yourself extra time to get to the airport, especially if the weather forecast calls for snow or freezing rain. Plan for traffic delays, and remember that airport parking might be fuller during the holiday season.
Allow Extra Time for Security: Security lines are usually longer during the winter travel season, so arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This gives you time to check your bags, go through security, and deal with unexpected issues.

Pro Tip: Consider Fast-Track Security Services

Many international airports offer fast-track security services that allow you to skip long security lines. Some airlines provide this as part of premium tickets, or you can purchase it separately. Research if your departure or connecting airports offer fast-track options to save time and reduce stress, especially during busy winter travel periods.

If you are flying into, out of or within the United States, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. These programs let you skip the long lines at security, saving you time and stress. TSA PreCheck is for domestic flights, while Global Entry also works for international travel.

4. Stay Informed and Flexible

Flexibility is crucial when flying in cold weather since conditions can change rapidly. Staying informed and ready to adjust your plans will make your journey smoother.

Use a Flight Tracking App: If your plane hasn’t arrived at your departure airport yet, a flight tracking app like FlightAware or FlightRadar24 can help you monitor its progress. These apps also provide real-time updates on delays and cancellations.
Monitor Your Flight Status: Even after arriving at the airport, check your flight’s status. Use your airline’s app or check the flight boards to stay updated. Delays can happen at the last minute, so keep an eye on any changes.
Choose Flights Wisely: When booking flights, consider nonstop options or choose flights through airports that handle winter weather well (like those in Canada, parts of the United States or Northern European countries such as Norway, Sweden and Iceland that regularly deal with snow). Avoid tight layovers where winter weather might disrupt your connection.
Have a Backup Plan: Know what to do if your flight gets delayed or cancelled. Look at alternate flights or routes ahead of time so you can quickly rebook if needed. Some airlines let you rebook online or via their app without having to wait in line at the airport. Familiarise yourself with the airline’s policies on rebooking and compensation so you know your options if something goes wrong.

Pro Tip: Consider Flying a Day Early

If your schedule allows, consider travelling a day earlier than needed to buffer against unexpected delays. This can be a great idea if you are travelling for an event such as a wedding or have a connection such as joining a tour or cruise.

5. Protect Your Health

Winter is flu season, and travelling through crowded airports increases your chances of getting sick. Follow these tips to stay healthy:

Carry Hand Sanitiser: Keep a small bottle of hand sanitiser with you, especially when you can’t wash your hands.
Disinfect Your Space: Use disinfecting wipes to clean your seat, tray table, and armrests on the plane.
Wear a Mask if Needed: If you’re in a crowded area or feel sick, consider wearing a mask to protect yourself and others.
Stay Hydrated: The air inside planes is dry, which can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water during your flight and avoid alcohol or too much coffee, as they can dehydrate you.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Try to keep your hands away from your face, as germs can quickly spread from surfaces to your nose or mouth.

Pro Tip: Carry a Reusable Water Bottle

Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and increased jet lag. Combat this by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Carry a reusable water bottle you can fill up after passing through security.

6. Keep Electronics Charged

When flying in cold weather, staying connected is vital for receiving flight updates or passing time during delays. Also, cold weather discharges batteries faster. Here’s how to keep your devices powered up:

Bring a Fully Charged Power Bank: Airports can be busy, and power outlets might be hard to find. A portable charger will help keep your phone, tablet, or laptop charged so you can stay updated on flight changes and stay entertained.
Charge Before You Leave Home: Make sure all your devices are fully charged before heading to the airport. This will give you more flexibility if you can’t find a charging spot right away.
Use Aeroplane Mode: When your phone is in aeroplane mode, it conserves battery by not constantly searching for a signal. Use this mode to make your device last longer during travel.

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7. Have Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can give you peace of mind, especially when flying in cold weather which can also be unpredictable. Here’s why it’s a good idea:

Covers Delays and Cancellations: Look for a policy that covers weather-related cancellations, missed connections, and trip interruptions.
Covers Lost or Delayed Baggage: Insurance can help cover the cost of replacing items if your luggage gets lost or delayed.
Covers Medical Emergencies: Travel insurance can also cover medical expenses in an emergency if you’re travelling internationally.

8. Pack Snacks and Entertainment or Use an Airport Lounge

Winter delays can leave you stuck in the airport longer than expected. When flying in cold weather be prepared with snacks and entertainment:

Bring Your Own Snacks: Pack non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, or dried fruit in case airport food options are limited during bad weather. But always remember that your destination may not allow you to bring food into that destination.
Download Entertainment in Advance: Airports may offer free Wi-Fi, but it’s not always reliable. Download movies, music, or books to your phone or tablet before your trip so you can enjoy them during delays.
Consider an Airport Lounge: If your flight is delayed and you have a long wait, consider using an airport lounge. Some premium credit cards offer access to airport lounges, where you can relax in more comfort with snacks, drinks, and free Wi-Fi. The airport may also have a pay-per-use lounge.

Pro Tip: Check Lounge Access with Your Credit Card

Some credit cards give you access to lounges, even if you’re not flying first class. It can be a great way to wait out delays in comfort. Otherwise, check if the airport has a pay-per-use airport lounge.

9. Check Weather Reports Regularly

Weather can change quickly in winter, so when flying in cold weather keep an eye on conditions, especially if flying through areas prone to snow or storms. Here’s how:

Monitor Weather for All Cities on Your Itinerary: Check the weather for your departure and arrival cities and any layovers. Bad weather at a layover city can impact your entire flight schedule.
Stay Updated with a Weather App: Use a reliable weather app to monitor changing conditions. This will help you anticipate delays and adjust your plans as needed.
Know Your Airline’s Weather Policy: Some airlines allow you to change your flight for free if severe weather is predicted. Keep an eye on your airline’s website for updates on flexible rebooking policies.

Final Thoughts

Flying in cold weather doesn’t have to be stressful. You can easily navigate winter travel by planning, dressing appropriately, and staying flexible. Whether it’s ensuring you pack the right gear or monitoring flight updates, these tips will help you stay prepared and comfortable during your journey.

Winter travel may be unpredictable, but it can still be a smooth and enjoyable experience with the right strategies. Embrace the season and fly confidently, no matter how cold it gets. Safe travels!

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About: Lisa Bundesen

Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.

We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.

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