Flight delays and cancellations happen to us all. Travel far enough, often enough or just plain unlucky enough and eventually it will happen to you.
So, what now?
Well, just as there’s not much point crying over spilled milk or middle seats on a long haul flight, so it doesn’t pay to lose your cool at the airport.
Focus on the here and now, check out your passenger rights and compensation options, and make a conscious decision to enjoy yourself as best you can anyway.
Remember, when you look back in years to come, it is the sound of the steel drum in the Caribbean sun, the snap of crocodiles at dawn or the inspirational stories you found that will matter to you the most. Not this temporary, if hideous, situation.
Here’s a seven point plan to get to zen and still get what matters done ;-)
Let’s go.
How to Handle Flight Delays in 7 Easy Steps
How to Handle Flight Delays Step 1:
Focus
Figure out what matters most to you, fast. Do you need to sort out the next connection on your journey? Let someone know not to pick you up at the airport? Call your boss? Or is finding a place to sleep tonight the top priority if the airline won’t help and hundreds of people are suddenly looking for a bed at the same time…
Prioritise ruthlessly and take it from there.
How to Handle Flight Delays Step 2:
Keep Your Cool
Be firm but polite with staff. Chances are, it’s not their fault in the slightest that this has happened. And, of course, people generally do more to help people they like than people they can’t stand. Explain your top priority (see number one) and ask for their guidance. Don’t be fobbed off. But don’t lose your cool.
I’m always reminded of this moment from my medical days when a woman was screaming obscenities at one of my consultants…
“What part of making my life miserable do you think will help you get better care for your child?”
If staff are rude and unhelpful (let’s not kid ourselves completely,) take their name, make a note of it and then move on. Don’t miss out on your primary goal (see point one) by entering into a protracted battle with airline or airport staff.
Move on.
Keep focused…
How to Handle Flight Delays Step 3:
Same, same or different?
Are there any (genuine) special considerations that apply to you? Will you run out of medication? Are there young children involved? Ask for help – at the airport, on social media, anywhere you can.
Likewise, if there AREN’T any special circumstances for you then show a bit of goodwill in life and display some basic manners. Help someone else out. You never know when your time will come and you really, really need some help.
How to Handle Flight Delays Step 4:
Give Yourself a Break
Make the most of last minute travel planning arrangements. Who knows, this could be the start of a whole new adventure?!!! (Apologies if you’ve stumbled onto this article in the midst of your airport drama and now want to through your phone or tablet into the wall. I don’t mean to patronise you. I mean, seriously. It’s better to have a good time if you can, right?)
Check out any pay per entry airport lounges if you’re not already flying on a business class ticket. These often include showers, places to rest, food, electricity, wifi, magazines and TV and can take you far enough from the crowds to try to regain some perspective. You’re a human, not a machine. Everything seems better after a wash, some food and some rest.
How to Handle Flight Delays Step 5:
Find Another Route
Seek out another way of getting to your destination. Sometimes, it’s just better to give up (that’s the spirit!) and travel onwards a different way and sort out the paperwork later.
Can you fly with a different airline? Travel by train? Boat? Hire car? How about splitting the journey with other stranded passengers? I’ve done all of these things in my travel days…
Skyscanner helps you search for flights in this kind of strangely prioritised manner and I use it all the time. Likewise, DB covers all big city trains in Europe and has saved me on occasion too.
How to Handle Flight Delays Step 6:
Seek Compensation
Check your travel insurance to see what kinds of things are covered and what kind of paper trail you will need to provide.
Check the small print on your ticket: not all airlines agree to help you out in the same way (that’s one of the reasons why the budget airlines manage to keep their prices down.)
If you’re travelling within the EU, check out the services offered by EUclaim* (see below.) They’re the longest running and most established defender of passenger rights in Europe and will help you seek compensation based on EU regulations.
In general, get as much as you can in writing, spend only what you need and get receipts for everything. Take names (where possible,) note times and make copies (a quick snap on your phone should do.)
How to Handle Flight Delays Step 7:
Adopt a Zen-Like Attitude
Yes, it’s a thoroughly pants situation. But it will end. You will, eventually, get home or wherever you’re trying to be.
Once you’ve done your due diligence, it’s time to try to find yourself a nice meal, plug in and watch a TV programme or read a book you’ve always meant to read, research things to do in your local airport, Skype someone, or just close your eyes, take some deep breaths and try to relax.
Travel often enough and this kind of thing will happen. It’s all part of travel and of not being too afraid to get on and live your life.
And in the greater scheme of things, it really will be all right in the end.
Safe and happy travels everyone,
http://www.onlinenewspaper.co.in/2016/10/05/handle-flight-delays/
#_Trip_Advice, #DELAYS, #Flight
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