Managing Airline Delays/Cancellations
Dealing with flights and transfers can be a pretty stressful part of any trip. Airline delays and cancellations only serve to make them even more nail-biting, especially if you don’t know what’s going on and how to handle it. Here are a few suggestions that can make managing airline delays and cancellations much easier to deal with.
Utilize Technology
Nowadays, technology allows us to keep up with changes that are constantly happening around us. That translates directly to airline dealings. Many airlines have their own app that updates faster than some generic websites. Utilizing resources like this allows you to keep a close eye on your flight’s status and any time changes. If a flight delay does become your reality, you want to take proactive action. Check your airline’s app or in-airport kiosk for rebooking options. You might also find it helpful to reach out to an airline through Twitter, via chat, or other social media channels.
Self-Service
It can be intimidating to take charge in the midst of cancellations and delays. But in these moments you don’t have to stand in line to talk to a ticket agent in many cases. With most major airlines you can self-service the rebooking. In fact, it may actually be faster to do it online or at a kiosk in the airport — and time in this case matters. You may be able to rebook at a new flight time or even to a new “nearby” origin or destination city. If the U.S. call center has a long hold time (which is often the case during these instances), try dialing an international number for faster service.
Automated rebooking systems may not always be your best option though. At times, the only automated option is for a red-eye flight or a future flight heading to your destination possibly more than two days later. This is especially true with how full flights are nowadays.
Using A Lounge
Airline Club access like the United Club, Delta Sky Club provides you where you can encounter experienced agents with potentially shorter lines. Unfortunately, airline representatives don’t always know what they’re doing sometimes. They may provide misinformation, omit relevant information, or be outright hostile. Even those who try to help may lack the authority or training to do so effectively. However, just because one agent can’t solve your problem doesn’t mean no one can. Airline lounge agents are typically better equipped to deal with schedule issues than other airline reps. Their help is a valuable, underrated benefit of lounge access.
Other Alternative Options
If you know in advance that your flight is canceled or delayed, heading to the airport early could score you a same-day standby flight that gets you to your destination early. Do note that getting on the standby list isn’t a guaranteed method, especially if the earlier flight’s capacity is almost maxed.
Consider airport hotels as an option. Though in the case of major delays and cancellations, they can fill up really quickly. While airport hotels are generally pretty affordable on points, cash rates can increase rapidly when demand surges. In the event you decide not to fly your originally scheduled flight, aim to get your money or points back. Do not settle for an airline voucher that may be hard to use and eventually expire. Be sure to cancel your original flight before its departure so you can get the money or miles (fingers-crossed) returned. Know of your credit card protections. You’ll probably have to do some reading through the fine print to understand the details. However, you may be entitled to certain accommodations, credits or expense reimbursement through the airline or your credit card. However, it depends on the circumstances of the delay or cancellation.
The longer you wait, the more possible flight options are likely to vanish, as hundreds of other passengers beat you to the rebooking. Make sure to weigh your options and make a decision in a timely manner in order to retain some control on your original schedule. Hopefully these tips have given you something of value to keep in mind the next time your flight is in jeopardy of being canceled or delayed.
