Expert: Ned Dolan - 1/4/2010

Question
My husband and I are leaving on a trip Thurs. The weather forecast is calling for a low of 7 the morning we are to leave. Our plane leaves at 5 AM so it will be very cold. Is there any chance this could cause our plane to be late leaving?  

Answer
Hi Rita, no the fact that it is cold would not be a reason, in itself, for a late departure. That said, the cold adds operational procedures that have to be followed and any additional procedures add workload and a slight chance for someone to cause a delay.

If you are leaving from a large airport on a major carrier I would say your chances are best for getting out on time.

Of course if the cold is part of a large storm chances for delay increase.

Sorry this can't be anymore definitive.

Ned