Airport delays continue to be an unwelcomed aftermath of the COVID pandemic
Flying can be stressful. Since airlines must meet a certain number of operating hours and available seats, they often have to cancel or re-schedule flights. Depending on your flight, you might experience delays due to bad weather, maintenance issues with an aircraft, staffing shortages or insufficient airport capacity. Keeping this in mind, here are some tips that may come in handy during such situations.
No matter what happens, you’ll be more prepared if you know the facts. So, stay up-to-date on the latest news, weather conditions and possible flight disruptions. The flight-tracking website Flight Aware is a good source for real-time information, and you can also try the airline’s website to get the latest updates. If your flight is cancelled, start looking for other options. If you’re close to your destination, the airline may offer you a different flight to get you there as soon as possible. Should you be unable to book a new flight that day, you might want to reconsider staying in your current city.
If your flight is cancelled and you’re not close to your destination, the airline may help you with a hotel stay and rebooking process. If you’re a frequent flyer, you may have access to an Airline Upgrade Voucher or Airline Credit that can be applied to rebooking fees. If you have time before your flight, you can use the airline’s website to rebook. If you don’t have access to your computer, you can try booking over the phone. If you have many people to rebook, you can also try using a travel agent. If you’re rebooking a flight close to departing, you’ll need to act as fast as possible. You’ll save time if you’re booking online and the website offers “rebook now” buttons. You can also call the airline’s rebooking hotline to speak with an agent.
There’s no point in getting upset over a situation you can’t control. You’ll just end up losing time and productivity. Instead, give yourself some time to de-stress. If you’re in a hotel room, you can read a book, listen to an audiobook, or watch T.V. to take your mind off of things. You can also use apps like Calm, Headspace, or Meditation to guide you through a relaxing meditation session. If you have access to a large room or a lounge area at the airport, you can try to get some work done. If you don’t have any work, try reading a book or watching educational videos. You can also try talking to other people at the airport to make the most of your time.
“In recent weeks, Minister Alghabra has met with senior leadership of several airlines and airports of all sizes across the country to ensure ongoing collaboration and continued action that will help further reduce delays and ensure travellers can efficiently get to their destination. Similar meetings will continue over the coming weeks.” Said Office of the Transportation Minister
Flying can be stressful and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s essential to stay informed and prepared for any situation that may occur. If your flight gets cancelled or delayed, don’t get upset. Instead, use the extra time to de-stress, rebook, and prepare for the next step.