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Thousands of flights canceled due to snow, COVID-19 - What to do if your flight is canceled

The airline industry is dealing with a one-two punch Monday with thousands of flights canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with a massive snowstorm hitting parts of the East Coast.

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By 9 a.m. EST Monday, 3,351 flights were canceled, according to FlightAware. That number is added to the 2,500 domestic flights and 4,100 international flights canceled on Sunday and Saturday’s cancellation of 2,700 flights in the U.S. and 4,700 flights across the world, CBS News reported.

Saturday was the worst for travelers since before the holidays, when airlines blamed staffing shortages on increasing cases of COVID-19, CBS News reported.

The Transportation Security Administration said Sunday that 1,778 employees were home because they had active COVID-19 cases, but the agency said it had enough employees to handle the number of travelers, The Washington Post reported.

Now the rush is on for passengers to try to get to their destinations.

CNN offered these suggestions if you find that your flight has been canceled.

Don’t get trapped at the airport. Try to find a hotel, or stay home or find a hotel and make travel plans from there. If you need to, ask the airline for a hotel or a voucher. They don’t have to offer you one but you may get lucky, CNN reported. And know the policies before you ask. Each airline may be different.

If you can’t leave the airport, and you find out your flight is not taking off, head to the airline desk quickly and be ready to multitask as you wait. Try calling an international desk for the airline. sometimes you can get through that way when the domestic phone lines are jammed, Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, told CNN.

Also, you can try using a self-serve kiosk to see the latest on your flights and change your plans, CNN reported.

If you booked through a third-party website, for instance, Expedia, you will have to deal with that company when it comes to changes in your itinerary.

Even if you are frustrated by the long waits and travel plan changes, remember to be nice, no matter if you’re dealing with a person face-to-face or on the phone, and have your options ready.

Finally, be proactive by researching postponing your trip and if you get refunds for your tickets. Check with your carrier for individual rules regarding what you’re entitled to in case of a delay or cancellation, CNN reported.