It’s the day of your flight, and you find out it has just been delayed, or even worse, cancelled. Perhaps it’s because of incoming bad weather or a security threat at the airport. Unpredictable situations like these may leave you feeling helpless, but there are some things you can do to make things better, or at least a little less bad.
Here are the top 10 tips that’ll help you pass the time, make the most of the situation, and get you to where you need to be.
1. Be early
Early morning flights are typically less likely to face delays or cancellations compared to afternoon or evening flights. But regardless, always make sure to arrive early with time to spare just in case! If anything unexpected happens, you will at least have time to think through your options and next steps. Being early also edges you to the front of the line for customer service! Or, if everything is fine and dandy, then that extra time can be used to take a short nap, do some work, or explore the airport. You know what they say—the early bird catches the flight!
2. Know your rights
Dark clouds are rolling in and a storm warning has been issued in your region—looks like there’s a good chance your flight will be cancelled. Or, your airline overbooked your flight and you were bumped off. In instances like these, it is good for you to know what is within your rights and what isn’t. In many cases, the airline will need to offer you some form of compensation and help you solve your problem. Arming yourself with this knowledge means you can claim what you are owed: free flight rerouting, a refund on food and drinks, or even hotel vouchers. Please check the official airline website for policies and details.
3. Be mobile
It’s good to be light and mobile on your feet for those frantic terminal dashes we’re all familiar with. But it also helps if you have your handphone with you—it can be a lifesaver when dealing with unexpected emergencies: you could call your friend to come back and pick you up from the airport, find out your flight’s status, or even make last-minute changes to your accommodation bookings.
4. Be sure to be insured
Having travel insurance is like a warm blanket on a cold rainy day. Whatever happens, you can take comfort in the knowledge that you’re shielded from bearing surprise costs. The insurance premium won’t seem so expensive when something happens and you realise how much you could be spending if you weren’t covered by insurance! With such a range of things that could go wrong when travelling, every holiday-goer should get at least some form of insurance to cushion any problems that may arise.
5. Explore the airport
If you end up needing to stay at the airport, seize this opportunity to do some exploring! There are often many attractions and aesthetic features in the airport that people miss on their way rushing to catch their flights. Why not stop to smell the (duty-free) roses (and perfumes)? Or sample the selection of gourmet chocolates available? Even better, this will be a good chance to get gift-shopping out of the way early!
Read more: 10 tips to survive long-haul flights in comfort
6. Make friends
When your flight is cancelled or delayed, there’s a good chance you’re not the only one affected. Use this opportunity to make friends with other fellow affected travellers—you already have something in common to talk about to break the ice! This is not only good for the morale, but could also have practical benefits like having someone with whom to split the cab fare back into town. It’s also important to be friendly with airline customer service staff. Remember that they are just as tired as you are, if not more so, and will be more willing to help you if you are nice to them. Getting mad at them or anyone else will only make things worse!
7. Gatecrash the airport lounges
Business Class passengers, frequent fliers, and credit card holders can pass the time in airline VIP lounges sipping free coffee and enjoying fresh fruit. Furnished with plush chairs, calm lighting and newspapers, these areas are a luxurious way to wait out your flight delay. Sometimes, these areas are not exclusive to members only, and you can buy a one-day access pass for about RM100-200. The free food, drinks, and relaxing atmosphere may be well worth the price.
8. Entertain yourself
It’s always a good idea to have something with you that can keep you occupied for some time, be it a book (paper or electronic), a phone, or a laptop with movies to watch. These can help make your eight-hour wait just melt away!
9. Sleep
In the event that your flight is cancelled, you may find yourself stuck at the airport for a decent length of time. If you don’t manage to get a voucher to spend the night in a nearby hotel, then do a quick sweep of the airport to find a quiet and dark place where you can grab a few winks. It’s always worth packing a few lightweight items—a sleep mask, a light blanket or extra jacket, and some earplugs—with you to prepare for this possibility.
Read more: 10 must-read tips for sleeping at the airport
10. Eat and drink
Packing some food might seem a little too “domestic” for your international jet-setting holiday adventure, but it could save you some money and keep you from starving in the airport, especially if you’re delayed. Snacks like chocolate bars and chips are easy and convenient to carry around. You could also treat yourself to the food and drink options available in most airports, but do remember to drink enough water! It can do wonders for your health and energy once you finally reach your destination.
Fear the beastly flight delay or cancellation no more! With these tips, you’ll find yourself on your merry way in no time. So hit up Skyscanner and get the best deals on flights, hotels and car rental. Download our mobile app for on-the-go convenience today.
Published in August 2016 and updated in February 2020. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability.
Adapted from an article originally written by James Teideman for Skyscanner
