When you purchase an airline ticket, there is no certainty that your flight will depart on time. Some airlines are notorious for overscheduling flights, especially during peak times, in an effort to meet their bottom line. Unfortunately, their strategy doesn’t take into account the fact that delays and cancellations may occur.
Frequent fliers know that most delayed flights end up departing very late. When this happens, it can create havoc with your travel plans. Take this scenario as an example. Your flight is delayed for 3 hours. As a result, you miss your connecting flight, leaving you stranded for the night in some faraway city, wearing the same clothes as yesterday and smelling like a musty gym sock.
What should you do when this happens to you? Here are five important things that you must do when your flight is delayed or cancelled:
1. Be Alert and Listen to Flight Announcements
In an airport terminal and even while onboard the plane, announcements are made over the speaker to inform you of the latest updates about your flight. There are certain key phrases to look out for, such as “we have some new information” or “we will be updating you on our progress.” If you hear these phrases, it probably means that something has changed with your flight. The news may be good news or bad news so pay close attention. If they say nothing more, then before long, they should start boarding passengers again.
You can also check your flight status online. Flight tracking apps are convenient in situations like these. Furthermore, most airlines post their flight status on their websites.
2. Be Aware of Passenger Rights
Passengers are entitled to more than just the free meals and drinks offered when a flight gets delayed or cancelled. If your flight is delayed over 3 hours or cancelled, you are entitled to care from the airline, including rebooking as well as accommodations if necessary. You are also qualified to receive compensation for flight delays of up to €600 for flights within or between EU countries.
Remember, when you purchase an airline ticket, you are entering into a legal contract with the carrier. This contract is governed by law and gives you certain rights. These rights have been created so the passenger can be compensated, especially when circumstances are within the airlines’ control.
Also, be aware that there are governmental agencies dealing with grievances against airlines and other travel companies, such as tour operators. Their websites can tell you about current consumer issues and how they deal with them.
3. Keep a Cool Head and Ask for Assistance
Because of the inconvenience you experienced, you may think you have every right to get angry. However, if you keep your cool and politely ask for any help from the customer service personnel, you increase your chances of being accommodated. On the other hand, if you get upset and raise your voice, you will probably not get very far.
In many cases, the airline personnel may be able to help you obtain a voucher for your next flight and hotel accommodations when you get stranded because of the long delay. They may even be able to book you for the next flight to your destination sooner than later. In some cases, they can even give you an upgrade if there are empty seats in business class or first class of another flight. If your flight is just delayed, you could even use the extra time at the airport for taking a walk, getting work done, or even exercising.
4. Check Your Credit Card for Travel Perks
Many credit cards would include some travel protection, especially if you used the card to pay for your airline ticket. For example, if your flight is cancelled or delayed, you may be covered for the cost of meals and hotel accommodations that may arise. Some premium cardholders are also granted access to VIP lounges while they are waiting. It’s always a good idea to carefully check your credit card benefits and see what you can get reimbursed for with this insurance plan.
5. Call Your Travel Advisor
If you booked your flight with a travel agent, call them when your flight is cancelled or delayed. Let them know what has happened, and they will be able to find the best way to help you.
If reasonable, book your next flight with the agent. If it is an international flight, they can use their experience and contacts with foreign airlines to ensure that you get on the next available flight that will take you to your destination sooner. Your travel advisor can also help you obtain compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight and will follow up on your behalf with the airline if needed.
When your flight is cancelled or delayed, don’t panic. Instead, stay calm and do whatever you can to facilitate your next steps to get to your destination quickly. The best way to remedy a bad situation is to take action right away. If you stay calm, work with the airline personnel to resolve the issue, and check your passenger rights, then there’s a good chance everything will be resolved in due time.
These are just a few of the things that you can do to keep yourself occupied and possibly minimise any inconvenience when your flight is delayed or cancelled. Remember, flight delays and cancellations happen, and it’s not the end of the world. It’s just something that you have to be ready for, just in case it happens.
