Delta Air Lines continues to face severe pilot staffing issues, and this 4th of July weekend we’ll likely see hundreds of cancellations due to the holiday weekend.
When it comes to US airlines, Delta seems to lead with cancellations these days and this weekend will be no different. Delta has even issued a fare difference waiver for the weekend in anticipation of all the cancellations it expects.
Per an internal source, Delta pilot staffing continues to be a challenge on the following fleets specifically: 737-800/900 and A319/320/321 fleets. This weekend, we’ll see upwards of 200+ Delta flights cancelled per day this weekend for the 4th of July holiday.
July 4th Holiday Travel Waiver
Per Delta,
We are providing more flexibility to customers for making changes to their flight schedule ahead of the busy July 4th holiday weekend as we expect to carry customer volumes over the weekend not seen since before the pandemic.
We are issuing a systemwide fare difference travel waiver for July 1-4, 2022, which allows you to rebook your trip either before or after these peak holiday travel days – with no fare difference or change fees for all Delta tickets, including Basic Economy, as long as you travel between the same origin and destination and remain in the same cabin of service as originally booked.
It’s unfortunate that Delta continues to struggle with pilot staffing issues. Rather than reducing their schedule for the summer in advance, the airline continues to sell flights even though they don’t have enough pilots to operate all their current flights.
As a result, expect to see hundreds of last-minute cancellations this weekend if you’re flying Delta. On the bright side, you can change your flight this weekend free of charge.
Are you flying Delta this 4th of July holiday weekend? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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I fully expected this to happen so I am driving to my destination. A 10 hr trip in the car is, to me, much better than being stuck in an airport.
You are spot on with this comment: “Rather than reducing their schedule for the summer in advance, the airline continues to sell flights even though they don’t have enough pilots to operate all their current flights.”. Delta will of course blame it on the weather and other “unforeseeable circumstances.”
I am flying Delta Airlines on Thursday, July 7, which I hope will not be canceled or delayed. It will be after the Fourth of July weekend so I’m hoping everything will be on time. What do you think my chances are of not getting on my flight on that day? My flight leaves from West Palm Beach Florida, connecting to LaGuardia, and my final destination is Syracuse New York.