What to Do When Your Flight Is Cancelled

 

What to do in the event of a delay or cancellation

Flight cancellations and delays have become all too common in the wake of the epidemic that rocked the world in 2020.  Your flight could be canceled for a number of reasons, such as inclement weather, dense air traffic, security concerns, etc. 

The aviation industry was one of the worst affected in 2020 as the epidemic swept the globe.  Due to a shortage of demand and travel restrictions, all planes were grounded globally.  Senior pilots, flight attendants, and other airline workers were persuaded to retire early, and others were placed on furlough.  Over 400,00 jobs were lost in the sector overall.  Airlines lack the personnel they require to meet demand now that travel is back in full swing.  

The summer months bring thunderstorms and the beginning of hurricane season in addition to manpower difficulties.  The only option is to cancel flights since these circumstances make flying and landing dangerous.  

Airlines have been forced to halt flights, postpone some, and completely cancel some in order to deal with this.  It's reasonable that your traveling companions would become anxious or frustrated if a flight is canceled or delayed.  

However, information is power.  Here are some things you may do in the event that your flight is canceled or delayed to hopefully allay your anxieties. 

• While a lot of flight delays and cancellations are unexpected, there's no harm in checking your flight status while you're still at home or in your hotel room.  Save yourself the trouble of being stranded at the airport.
• If you're already at the airport when you find out the news, immediately make your way to your airline's customer service desk and get in line.  Re-booking you is a first-come, first-serve service.  
• While in the line, call your carrier.  Depending on how far back you are, you might be able to reach an agent faster on the phone.  
• Contact your hotel.  If your flight delay/cancellation causes you to arrive at your hotel after your reservation date, you'll need to inform the hotel.  If they don't hear from you, they may consider you a no-call/no-show, cancel your reservation, or apply penalties. 
• If flight delays have caused you to miss your connections in a foreign country, don't immediately book a hotel.  Research that country's travel restriction first.  They may have a vaccine or testing requirement, meaning you cannot leave the airport.
• Look for an airport lounge.  Being stuck in a crowded airport is not ideal.  But you can make the best out of a bad situation by heading to the nearest airport lounge.  You'll be able to stretch out, have some privacy, and recharge your body and your electronics. 
• While airlines will rebook you on the next possible flight, they aren't always required to reimburse your other expenses like meals and hotel stay.  While your airline might not cover your costs, your travel insurance will. Travel insurance covers costs incurred during a trip interruption (like flight delays), including food and drinks.  If your delay extends past 12 hours, they'll also reimburse your accommodation and transport costs.  

Buying travel insurance is the most crucial thing you can do to safeguard yourself in the event of delays.

Of course, if your flight is canceled or delayed, utilizing a travel agent to plan your subsequent trip can assist lessen your strain.  One of the many ways a travel agent can assist you in this circumstance is by making the necessary phone calls to the airline, suggesting an airport lounge, getting in touch with your resort, and assisting you in purchasing the necessary travel insurance policy.

So be sure to get in touch with me when you're ready to plan your next vacation and make sure you have help in case something goes wrong.