Extreme heat causing flight delays, cancellations nationwide: AAA

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- AAA says thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed nationwide due to extreme heat and thunderstorms this week. That includes at Philadelphia International Airport, where there was a ground stop on Sunday.

"It's really been a nerve-wracking summer just for the type of weather here and across the country," said PHL spokesperson Heather Redfern.

To beat the heat and related travel trouble, officials say to fly early.

MORE | Extreme heat grips Delaware Valley with all counties at risk

"If you can make your plans to get out earlier, sometimes you can get ahead of that weather," Redfern said.

On the ground, some air conditioning repairmen are getting a new name amid the heat wave. Mohamed Sarama doesn't wear a cape, but says some regard him as a hero when he shows up to their home.

"I'm Superman in their eyes," Sarama said.

SEE ALSO | As extreme heat warnings are issued, experts warn of deadly consequences

Sarama owns Moe's HVAC in Philadelphia and has been busy as temperatures soar into the 90s, feeling even worse due to the humidity. In order to keep your air conditioning in good working order, Sarama offered the following advice.

"Filter changing, 90% of customers won't change their filter until it's freezing their coils. That's a very main, like crucial issue that you'd most have to be concerned about. The other one would be clean your coils, clean your outdoor coils, clean your indoor coils. That's very necessary to preserve the lifespan of your unit and equipment," Sarama said.

Dorothy Drelith, of North Philadelphia, recently hired Sarama to replace her A/C unit that was more than 20 years old.

RELATED | Heat wave: How to cool off in Philadelphia

"I turned it on and it wasn't going on. When it was out, I needed it as fast as possible, and I called him and he came that night," Drelith said.

Back on the tarmac, AAA recommends always having your airline's app downloaded, packing the essentials, and considering alternative travel options if necessary.

AAA also says heat-related travel issues could extend through Wednesday as extreme heat and humidity persist.

"These pop-up storms can really wreak havoc on travel plans," Redfern said.