Long distance travel can be a hassle at the best of times, especially when things go wrong.
But, although having a flight delay is frustrating and inconvenient, it doesn’t have to be a complete fiasco, there are a number of steps you can take to recoup any expenses (not to mention sanity!) you might have lost.
Here are our top tips for dealing with a flight delay:
Find out what you’re entitled to
First thing’s first, find out if you’re entitled to compensation – whether that’s food and drinks vouchers so you can grab a bite to eat whilst you wait, or cash compensation.
As a general rule, if your flight is delayed by under three hours, you probably won’t be entitled to any compensation.
Check your travel insurance
If you’ve had the foresight to take out travel insurance, you might well be covered, at least to come extent, for flight delays. This could include boking a hotel room, if necessary, and covering certain costs for meals and entertainment.
Of course, all policies are different so make sure you’ve read the small print!
Try and get hold of a lounge pass
If the airport you’re stuck at has a lounge, and the flight delay is the fault of the airline, you should ask if you can have a lounge pass. In the lounge, you’ll typically find hot food, free drinks, comfortable seating, and free WiFi – making the wait for your flight much more enjoyable. Airlines don’t typically like giving out these passes and they are under no obligation to do so, so remember to ask nicely!
Research your destination
Instead of focussing on being trapped in the airport, why not use your time productively and research the things you’ll be able to see, do, and experience when you finally reach your destination. When you’re planning a trip, it can be hard to find as much time as you’d like to learn about the history, culture, and language of your destination. With no option but to stay in the airport, with very little available in the way of entertainment, this is the perfect opportunity to get to grips with a new part of the world.
Have a bite to eat
In some instances, your airline will provide you with a meal voucher to keep you fed and watered during your delay. Whether this is the case or not, sitting down for a decent, restaurant meal whilst you await your delayed flight can be a great way to pass the time.
And, at least this way, you won’t be hungry when you eventually take off and the only option available is often sub-par restaurant food.
Explore the airport
Being delayed is far from ideal. But, if you’re going to be stuck in the airport for an extended period of time, you may as well make the best of it and take advantage of the facilities on offer.
Of course, larger airports will always offer more entertainment options that smaller ones, but explore the shops and services on offer, and you’ll never know what you might find. From child-friendly play areas, book shops, and duty free, through to spas, salons, bars, and even yoga rooms, you might be surprised at the fun you can have in the airport!
We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.
