Another power outage hit Newark Airport. How to avoid getting stuck if your flight is delayed or cancelled

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) today saw another communications outage, the latest outage in a series of controller shortages and equipment failures that have been wreaking havoc on travelers’ plans and wallets.

According to a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, the latest telecommunications disruption occurred at around 3:55 a.m. ET on Friday, May 9, affecting the Philadelphia plant, which guides aircraft in and out of Newark airspace. The power outage lasted about 90 seconds.

Last week, the Philadelphia Air Traffic Control Center temporarily lost radar and communications for flights entering and leaving the airport. The controller cannot hear, see or communicate with the pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration sent a statement via email saying concerns that “outdated air traffic control systems” are affecting its workforce.

After this incident, 20% of the airport's controllers are on leave under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which covers federal employees who are injured or injured while working. The shortage of controllers and construction on one of the two runways of the airport resulted in further flight disruptions.

“This particular air traffic control facility has long been understaffed,” United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement. “Newark Airport cannot handle the number of aircraft planned to operate there in the coming weeks and months.”

At the time of publication, the FAA estimated the average delay in Newark was 48 minutes, but it was more than four hours on Wednesday. According to Flightaware, there were 106 flight delays and 40 flight cancellations this morning.

How to avoid flight interruptions in Newark

The best way to prevent delayed travel from Newark is to avoid flying or connecting entirely through the airport. If possible, travel to and from nearby airports such as Kennedy International Airport or LaGuardia Airport to avoid any potential headaches. Flight delays and cancellations may happen anywhere, but now Newark is more likely.

If Newark is your connected flight, check out other connected airports. After booking, you can sometimes make reservations based on the destination and airline policies. Philadelphia International Airport may be the way you go.

Protect your purchases with travel delay reimbursement

If your flight is delayed for reasons involved, such as equipment failure or bad weather, many travel credit cards offer travel delay reimbursement. This privilege helps pay for fees that are not normally refundable or provided by airlines, such as hotel accommodation, transportation and food.
If your flight is cancelled to the next day or delayed for more than three hours, some airlines will provide credentials for these fees. Depending on your credit card issuer, the benefits you get as a cardholder may be better than what the airline offers – such as hotel choices and spending restrictions. Therefore, it is best to compare options.

There are some restrictions and rules to consider when submitting a travel delay reimbursement claim to your credit card company.

• You must delay for a certain period of time before you can use the card's travel delay reimbursement benefits. For example, most cardholders take 12 hours, but sapphire reserve cardholders only take six hours.
• Typically, how much limit will your card issuer pay, such as $500 per person for outstanding fees.
• You need to prove that your flight was delayed and any fees incurred by you. Usually, a letter from the airport and the receipt of your purchase will be sufficient when filing a claim.
• You must book a flight on the card to qualify.

Travel credit card with travel delay reimbursement

These are some travel cards that provide reimbursement for travel latency. Remember that credit cards from certain hotels and airlines also have this privilege, which may be worth considering if you are loyal to a particular brand. Before applying, make sure the card's annual fee matches your travel habits. If you can't make the most of the card, the fee may not be worth it.

Terms and conditions applicable to American Express benefits and offers. Admission may be required to obtain American Express benefits and offers. Please visit AmericaneXpress.com for more information.

What to know before you make a claim with a credit card issuer

It is best to make sure your trip qualifies before filing a claim. Call your card issuer or check the website for any requirements. During the delay period, please continue to use any receipts and other documents as you need to file a claim. And remember to always purchase travel on your card to qualify for benefits. Just being a cardholder won't do it.

*All information about Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture X credit cards has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.