How to Plan for Canceled or Delayed Flights Before They Happen
Due to a number of issues – weather conditions, labor shortages, limited capacity – delays and cancellations of flights this summer were even more serious problems than usual . While you may not be able to completely avoid them, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from flare-ups too much.
Book your trip subject to delay or cancellation
Wherever you can, try to be as flexible as possible, especially since the pandemic could still interfere with your travel plans. To be on the safe side, take these tips into account.
Get the airfare refund if that’s your best bet.
Sometimes, flight delays and cancellations are so significant that you can also cancel your flight and get a refund. According to the Ministry of Transport, if a flight is canceled for any reason and the traveler decides not to rebook it with that airline, the passenger is entitled to a full refund.
If there is a ” significant delay, ” the airline must provide you with a full refund, although they may quarrel with you about this as the “significant” is unclear. Before you book your flight, check the airlines’ flight cancellation policies to find out how they define it. Many airlines will try to offer vouchers, but you can also insist on cash refunds, especially if you can specify their own refund policies.
Act quickly.
If your flight is canceled or delayed, do your best to speak to an agent quickly. For example, if you are queuing at the airport to speak to a ticketing agent, use that time to contact the airline through their app or by phone. Also use sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to keep track of alternative flight schedules.
Find out how to get to your airline.
This is not easy because the phone lines are congested. This Lifehacker post walks you through the fastest way to phone a person for each airline , but if that doesn’t work, consider using social media or even going straight to the airport to speak to a ticket agent.
Stick to direct flights.
The fewer connecting flights you have, the less likely they are to be delayed. Of course, direct flights can be more expensive, but in this case, with all the uncertainty about travel, the cost will act a little more as a kind of insurance against unexpected delays or cancellations. Consider splurging on flexible rates and avoiding cancellation fees if possible.
Book seats together if you are traveling with friends or family.
To prevent your travel companions from being blown away by a canceled flight, book all seats as part of a single booking as you are more likely to be rebooked to another flight as part of a group.
Take more time between connecting flights.
As a rule of thumb, give yourself 60-90 minutes to connect with domestic flights and two hours for international flights. However, consider a longer stop – up to three or four hours. Sure, it will lengthen your day of travel, but think of it as a form of travel insurance, especially if you’re on a regional flight that only operates a couple of times a day.
Avoid checking your baggage.
Checked-in baggage can play an important role in whether you can rebook your ticket to another flight, especially at short notice. It also helps to avoid crowding around the baggage carousel.
Consider buying travel insurance.
Your credit card probably offers some protection against canceled flights, so you always have to pay in plastic for your flights. And if you have travel expenses that you don’t want to pay in the event of a canceled or delayed flight (like a booth at a trade show), consider additional travel insurance to cover those costs. Insurance can vary widely depending on what it actually covers, so double check the fine print. There are costly “cancel for any reason” rules available, but they can be worth it depending on the nature of your travel.