Flight delays and cancellations are unfortunate occurrences triggered by various factors outside a traveler’s control, including weather, staffing shortages, and software issues.
What steps can you take to salvage your journey when things go awry? Begin by familiarizing yourself with the terms and conditions prior to booking, understanding your entitlements, and being proactive at the airport in voicing your needs. Here’s a guide to navigate the situation.
Prepare Before You Depart
Download your airline’s app, which typically provides real-time updates on flight status and gate changes, often before they are posted elsewhere.
On the day of your flight, check FlightAware, a service for tracking flights via app or website, to keep tabs on delays and cancellations at major airports while keeping an eye on the weather.
Familiarize yourself with the airline partnerships your carrier has for possible rebooking options. In addition to code shares and alliances, airlines often have interline agreements enabling passenger transfers to other carriers. If this information isn’t easily found online, consider calling the airline’s customer service for assistance.
Understand Airline Policies
In the U.S., if your flight gets canceled, delayed significantly, or altered, airlines must attempt to rebook you on another flight. If you choose not to proceed with your journey, you are entitled to a full refund within 20 days.
Significant delays are classified as those lasting three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones, in accordance with a recent Department of Transportation rule.
Utilize Available Resources
The Transportation Department provides an airline cancellation and delay dashboard, detailing major domestic airlines’ offerings to passengers. Additionally, each airline’s customer service plans, which can be found on their websites, provide deeper insights into passenger rights.
Be Strategic in Your Approach
Claiming your rights can be challenging, especially when many passengers are vying for assistance. Instead of approaching the gate agents, which tends to be crowded, consider visiting an airline service desk. Accessing an airport lounge may also expedite the process. Prepare a clear request for exactly what you want when you get to speak with a representative.
If their offered solutions don’t meet your needs, advocate for better alternatives, and highlight your status as a frequent flyer or any urgent commitments you may have.
Take Initiative
Passengers might consider taking proactive measures, like booking accommodations or alternative flights, and later submitting claims for reimbursement to the airline’s customer relations team. However, proceed with caution as there’s no guarantee an airline will cover those expenses.
It is vital to understand your rights and be prepared to argue your case effectively. Always read the fine print to ensure you’re well-informed.
