Here’s How to Manage Flight Delays, According to Travel Experts

In recent weeks, travelers all over the country have been hit with flight delays and cancellations in large part due to employee shortages because of the ongoing pandemic, inclement weather, and increased demand during the busy summer travel season — and that’s without even mentioning soaring travel costs due to inflation.

If you find yourself stuck at the airport facing a delay — or a cancellation that occurs before you even get there — you’re likely wondering what recourse you have or how you can manage the delays with minimal frustration and added cost. Thankfully, the pros at Airport Parking Reservations shared their top tips on what to do if you find yourself in a less than ideal air travel situation this summer, helping to make things as stress-free as can be.

In the days and weeks before you even leave for the airport, there are a few preemptive things you can do in anticipation of delays or cancellations, as the travel experts told Apartment Therapy.

Their first tip includes investing in travel insurance, even if it’s something you never worried about pre-COVID. “Most travel insurance policies provide coverage for travel uncertainty,” they shared. “Additional coverage usually becomes applicable if your flight is postponed by more than 12 hours due to a strike, adverse weather, or a mechanical breakdown.”

You’ll want to protect yourself well before you leave for the airport, as Brett Estep, chief operating officer and a founder of Insured Nomads previously told Apartment Therapy. “If you choose to wait until the last minute, not only are you unlikely to receive a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy or one at all, but you will also be limited in your ability to cancel your flight for any reason or receive a waiver for pre-existing conditions in some cases.”

Another pro tip: pack essentials to keep yourself entertained, hydrated and hunger-free, and as well-rested as possible should your plans hit a snag. “Come prepared by packing essentials such as a spare change of clothes, snacks, beverages, phone chargers, toiletries, and methods of entertainment, such as music, podcasts, movies/TV shows, and, of course, a good book. A great way to pass the time is to immerse yourself in a good book, becoming so engrossed that you forget about what’s happening around you. You could also consider bringing an eye mask or earplugs so that you can rest during your holdup time.” Having what you need on hand also helps prevent you from spending excess money at airport shops where food, drink, and relaxation items might be pricier.

If you’ve made it to the airport and are now potentially stuck for hours, don’t fret. Instead, read up on your carrier’s policies to see what you could be entitled to in the event of a long delay or cancellation. “If your flight is delayed you may be entitled to compensation or a refund, so take time to get clued up on your passenger rights so that you are not left out of pocket,” they shared, noting that in the U.S., “airlines are not required to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled,” but carriers in other countries have different rights.

On that note, you’ll want to keep every receipt for purchases made during your delay. “Typical travel delay coverage takes a fixed benefit form to help you cover the costs of expenses, such as food and drink, while you wait at the airport. Make sure that you keep any receipts of airport purchases, as you can try to claim the money back from the airline later. Airlines only pay for ‘reasonable’ expenses though, so you are unlikely to get money back for purchases such as alcohol, expensive meals, or extravagant hotels.”

That said, if you really do want to splurge — understandable given your headaches, especially if you’re on vacation — the airport may not be the worst place to do so. “Airports today are being designed to provide an entire experience, with international cuisine offerings, luxury lounges, indoor gardens, spas, cinemas, and even swimming pools,” they said. Of course, window-shopping at all the duty-free stores is always fun, too.

Lastly, it’s worth checking in with customer service, though you should anticipate long waits on hold or on line if you’re chatting on the phone or in person. And it should be a given, but it’s worth repeating: you’ll never want to take your frustration out on airline or airport staffers for any reason. “As soon as you hear of the delay with your flight, contact the airline’s customer service team,” they said. “It is important to note that flight delays that are outside of the airline’s control may hinder your right to compensation, therefore be sure to check the circumstances before trying to make a claim or complaint. The customer service team should also be able to provide you with guidance on the immediate steps you can take to resolve your flight queries.”

“Flight delays are without a doubt a stressful and frustrating situation, however, remaining calm can help to prevent further suffering. Be kind to those around you, whether that be fellow passengers, or airline employees, as all involved will be feeling distressed by the situation at hand.”