10 tips for dealing with flight delays and cancellations

There are many reasons why your flight may be cancelled. It could be the weather, security alert or some unforeseen circumstances. No matter how bad the conditions are, there are some things you can do to manage them.

Here are 10 tips that will help you deal with flight cancellation and delays courtesy of Skyscanner.

1. Be early:

In general, early morning flights suffer less delays and incidences than those that fly in the evening or at night. Also, make sure you turn up in plenty of time so if something does go awry, at least if you will have time to react and look for alternatives to get to your destination.

2. Know your rights

Ok, so there is a massive storm and it looks like you are not going to be flying in the next few hours, or maybe your flight is overbooked and you’ve been left at the airport. In cases such as these, it is vital that you know your rights. Armed with this knowledge, you should be able to claim what you deserve and hopefully find a solution to your problem with a few aces up your sleeve: from getting refunded for all your food and drinks expenses to getting a hotel or some alternative transportation.

3. Be mobile

Although you may want to leave your Blackberry behind as you escape on a digital detox, don’t pack away your phone your hold luggage – you may need it.

4. Be sure to be insured

Travel insurance is a guarantee that whatever trouble you might encounter it will be easier to solve. This ‘extra’ cost will prove a worthwhile investment if the unexpected happens. However, it’s a common holidaymaker mistake to not get insurance that covers every possible need or problem you might have.

5. Explore the airport

Since you have some extra time on your hands, turn it into a positive: you’ve got time to explore the fascinating sights and attractions of the airport without worrying that about straying too far from the gates and departures boards.

6. Make friends

Making friends is always good. And even more so if you bond over not being able to get back home or make it to your destination. On a practical level, you could save money by sharing costs, such as of a taxi into town. Also, be friendly to airport staff.

7. Gatecrash the airport lounges

Those flying Business Class and the members of airline loyalty schemes will already be in the VIP room quaffing peanuts. With comfy sofas, newspapers and a range of salted snacks, these offer a far quieter and relaxed environment in which to pass the time than the rest of the airport.

8. Entertain yourself

Always carry with you something that helps you kill time: from a book (or an e-book reader, with lots of titles in its memory) to your laptop or a tablet loaded with films.

9. Sleep

In the severe case of a cancellation, you’ll be looking to kill a fair amount of time before you leave the airport. If you are not entitled to a night in a hotel near the airport, as you may just have relied upon your airline to fly you away, seek out a place where you can get some shut-eye.

10.   Eat and drink

Making a packed lunch doesn’t seem a very glamorous preparation for your holidays, but it could save your day if you’re delayed. There’s always the champagne and oyster bar if you want to pass the time in style, but do keep up your water intake. Dehydration is obviously going to make you feel worse later on in your journey, as will several hours in the airport bar.

see more are skyscanner.com