Hotels have started marketing to travelers fed up with Newark Airport
The New Jersey airport saw three major equipment outages in two weeks.
Throughout May, Newark Liberty International Airport has struggled with widespread equipment failures and the ensuing disruption to its flight traffic.
On the morning of May 11, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a 45-minute ground stop after what it classified as a "telecommunications issue" at the Terminal Radar Approach Control system managing the airport's air traffic.
This was the third such outage of different systems used by air traffic controllers in the last two weeks and caused a delay of 19 minutes for the average flight departing out of Newark up until 9 p.m. on Sunday night.
Amid the delays and news coverage of the disruption, many travelers have been expressing increased frustration with the airport — an opportunity that some nearby hotels have jumped on with targeted marketing campaigns.
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Flight out of Newark disrupted? One hotel is offering travelers a free drink
Hotel chain IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) just announced a new "IHG Gate Escape" promotion at its Crowne Plaza Newark Airport hotel — anyone who books a stay and provides proof of a flight disruption will receive a free drink at the hotel bar and 500 points for its loyalty program (one typically needs 10,000 IHG One Rewards points to get a free night). Those who do not want to drink can also swap the drink for a free appetizer.
"We all know how stressful it can be when your travel plans get thrown off – especially when it's out of your hands," Connor Smith, vice president of strategy at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said in promoting the sale. "That's why we're stepping in to offer travelers passing through Newark Airport a taste of IHG hospitality. It can be a much-needed silver lining during a tough travel day."
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On May 5, United Airlines (UAL) CEO Scott Kirby announced that the airline was forced to cancel 35 domestic flights because Newark Airport "cannot handle the number of planes that are scheduled to operate there in the weeks and months ahead."
Flight canceled? Here are the first steps to take while still at the airport
Over 140 flights across different airlines were canceled on that day, and prices at nearby airport hotels immediately spiked in response to high demand.
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Other nearby hotels include Hilton Newark Airport (HLT) , Best Western Plus Newark Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott (MAR) , and two Hampton Inn and Suites locations.
As the delay promotion is simply a nice perk and does not take into account prices that tend to spike during widespread cancelations, World Nomads General Manager Christina Tunnah says the first step travelers with a canceled flight should take is trying to reach an airline representative as early as possible.
While carriers will generally not provide accommodation for cancelations outside their control, reaching them early will leave passengers with more information about possible options for rebooking a flight or booking a stay before the rush of other travelers.
"Call while you wait," Tunnah said to TheStreet. "Don't just stand in that never-ending line at the gate. Call the airline's customer service at the same time and see which option gets you help faster."
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