This first-person essay is derived from an extensive conversation with Leticia Barr, a seasoned 51-year-old education consultant and founder of the technology-focused parenting resource Tech Savvy Mama, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland. What follows has been thoughtfully edited and refined to ensure both conciseness and clarity while preserving the essence of her experience.
On November 7, while attending a professional conference in Indianapolis as a representative for one of her clients, Leticia’s afternoon took an unexpected turn. In the midst of her work obligations, she glanced at her phone to see a notification informing her that her American Airlines flight home had been canceled. The timing of the disruption—early afternoon, with limited options for same-day return—forced her into immediate action. Knowing that flight cancellations can easily cascade into prolonged delays and logistical headaches, she quickly turned to Google to search for any available flights departing Indianapolis for any of the Washington, D.C.–area airports near her home in Maryland. Acting efficiently and decisively, Leticia found and booked a direct Southwest Airlines flight bound for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Fortunately, the timing was nearly identical to her original itinerary on American Airlines, which had been scheduled to arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). She was relieved that her rebooked trip proceeded without further complications, and boarding went smoothly.
Reflecting on this experience, Leticia resolved to handle future travel differently. For upcoming trips, she plans to proactively secure backup flights whenever possible, particularly around busy holiday periods when cancellations and delays are frequent. Additionally, because both of her college-aged children will also be traveling during these peak times, she intends to prepare additional contingency measures to ensure they can reach home without excessive stress or disruption.
Financially, the unexpected flight change did carry a price tag. Although American Airlines rebooked her on a flight the following day, staying overnight in Indianapolis would have been highly inconvenient, as the airline did not offer hotel accommodations. Therefore, she opted to purchase her own one-way Southwest ticket for $140 more than her original round-trip fare. Fortunately, since the travel was work-related, her office agreed to cover the additional cost. Within a week, she also received a partial refund from American Airlines, reimbursing nearly half the cost of the unused ticket—a small consolation that helped offset the inconvenience.
Looking ahead, Leticia faces another high-priority trip she simply cannot afford to miss. For the past decade, she has taken part in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon as both a fundraising participant and a proud St. Jude Hero ambassador. This annual event, held at the beginning of December, is both personally meaningful and deeply tied to her philanthropic efforts. Even though the recent government shutdown has concluded, she remains cautious; she understands that the aftermath of such disruptions can create lingering effects on airline operations. To mitigate this risk, she has already discussed with her husband the necessity of booking a backup flight. Since her schedule allows no flexibility—she must fly to Memphis on a Friday and race the following morning—a cancellation or significant delay could jeopardize months of preparation and commitment. Complicating matters, nonstop flight options to Memphis are limited, and she prefers to avoid layovers whenever possible to reduce potential travel complications.
Living in the Washington metropolitan area offers Leticia a distinct advantage: proximity to three major airports. She resides conveniently equidistant from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). For her Memphis trip, she strategically leveraged this geographic benefit by booking two separate flights. The first, a nonstop morning option on American Airlines from DCA to Memphis, serves as her primary ticket. The second, a later-in-the-day Southwest flight from BWI, was purchased using airline points and functions as her safety net. This layered approach gives her peace of mind; if her initial flight proceeds as planned, she can simply cancel the backup reservation. If not, she knows she has an immediate, reliable alternative.
Her forward-thinking mindset extends to her family’s travel plans as well. With two college students studying in different parts of the country, Leticia is preparing for the challenges that often accompany holiday travel. Her son, attending school in Denver, will be flying home for Thanksgiving but has considered driving if airline issues arise—a multi-day road trip that would ensure his timely arrival despite potential flight disruptions. Her daughter, a senior at a California university, has also developed an alternative plan: if she cannot fly home to Maryland, she can instead spend the holiday with relatives in Northern California. Although these contingency options are far from ideal, they provide reassurance amid an unpredictable travel season.
Leticia acknowledges that traveling during the holidays is rarely easy. The sheer volume of travelers, coupled with winter weather unpredictability and potential operational delays, naturally increases stress levels for everyone involved. Her philosophy for managing these high-pressure situations emphasizes patience, adaptability, and empathy. In particular, she urges travelers to extend kindness toward Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and all airport staff. Many of these individuals have continued to work diligently under challenging conditions, sometimes even without pay, to keep air travel functioning smoothly for the public. As holiday travel ramps up, Leticia believes that maintaining compassion and flexibility not only reduces personal frustration but also fosters a sense of shared goodwill.
If you have your own reflections or stories about navigating work or holiday travel—especially moments of resilience, quick thinking, or unexpected generosity—feel free to share your experience with editor Manseen Logan at mlogan@businessinsider.com.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/flight-canceled-during-shutdown-now-have-backup-holiday-travel-plan-2025-11
