Controversial travel hack: booking multiple flights as protection against airline disruptions

Alternatively, travelers can book backup itineraries using frequent flyer miles. Major airlines generally do not charge fees to cancel and redeposit miles if done before the scheduled departure.

One caveat is that travelers should book their backup travel with a different airline than their primary itinerary. "American, for instance, has canceled out backup reservations when both trips are on its own planes and booked too close together," noted the expert. This practice was implemented before the pandemic and aims to prevent customers from holding multiple reservations unless they are high-tier members like Concierge Key or Executive Platinum.

This approach may pose challenges for infrequent travelers who might not find flight credits useful if they do not plan to fly again soon. However, as long as the backup is with an airline they will likely use within the allotted time frame, it remains a viable option.

Ethical considerations arise regarding this practice. Airlines typically have rules against making reservations without intending to fly. Yet, in this scenario, passengers intend to fly if their original plans fall through. "You’re making a contingent reservation," which aligns with what airlines have encouraged by offering more expensive refundable fares.

If practiced on a large scale without ever needing backups, this could attract attention from airlines. Nonetheless, occasional use is unlikely to cause problems.

Concerns about occupying seats that others might need are also addressed by noting that unused seats become available for other passengers and taking backup flights frees up seats on delayed flights for re-accommodation purposes.

Ultimately, passengers must navigate within the system established by airlines while being considerate of others' needs and maintaining patience and goodwill.