This week, we had quite the excitement. My loved ones were delayed at an airport abroad for almost 14 hours and encountered multiple complications during the day. In the end, I booked them a new flight back home. Despite the hassle and their exhaustion, I counted my blessings that evening.
Have you been experienced any delays when flying? As annoying as it can be, what did you do? For us, it raised the question not only of how to deal with delayed air travel but also how to avoid them:
- Book direct flights as much as possible. Any connection means a potential delay or disruption. While you may make the tight connection, your luggage may be left behind. Also, calculate the worth of your time while waiting for your connection. Your time is worth a specific amounts and needs to be added on your fare quote.
- Some travel agencies offer flight connections which are barely above the required time set by each airline. In an airport like FRA (Frankfurt) or IAD (Washington Dulles), 30 minutes are by far not enough to deplane and board a new flight. Even when you have your sprinter shoes on! Book your next flight with a little bit of time in between, especially if you have to go through passport control and clear customs.
- Check out the on-time arrival statistics for your desired route. Taking that cheaper flight may also mean taking a chronically delayed flight.
- Smaller airports close to major hubs are quieter and can be an alternative to larger, prone-to-delays airports. Consider these when booking your flights.
- When booking, select an aisle seat in the front part of the aircraft if you have a tight connection. If the flight is not full, you can ask cabin crew to move you to the front of the cabin prior to landing.
- Before you head to the airport, charge your electronic devices, especially your phone. They’ll maintain your lifeline to your family as well as your clients and company, if travelling for work.
- Carry any medication which you on a regular basis in your hand luggage. Have enough for your trip that a delay won’t cause any health issues for you.
- Customer services vary substantially across the different airlines and across the world. If you’ve missed a connecting flight, be pro-active and rebook yourself via the airline’s app or call centre. You’ll beat the crowd queuing at the airline’s customer service counter.
- If you’ve missed your connection, investigate whether another airline can get you to your destination faster, if you’re in time rush. Check what happens with your luggage and whether you qualify for a refund from your existing booking, before you’ll purchase an additional ticket.
- Bring some snacks, reading material or whatever else makes you more comfortable while you wait.
- Or better, use the airport lounge either through your frequent flier programme, as part of the benefits given by credit card or by paying for it. Services in these secluded (and quiet) lounges offer a variety of services from free food and drinks, free wifi and recharge opportunities to showers and sleeping areas. Fantastic also when having a scheduled, long layover.
Sometimes, you can’t avoid being delayed. With these tips, you are better prepared for the delay.
What is your favourite activity to stay sane when experiencing travel delays? Share your tips and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Agni