Seven Things You Can Do If Your Flight Is Canceled

A range of problems – weather conditions, lack of workforce, reduced capacity – can make flight delays and cancellations very bothersome.

Although you may not be able to fully avoid it, there are steps you can take to prevent bigger disasters.

In order to protect yourself from unexpected situations, here’s what you can do:

1. Get a ticket refund if that’s your best option

Sometimes, flight delays and cancellations are so significant that you can cancel the flight and get a ticket refund. If a flight is canceled for any reason, and the passenger does not want to book the same flight at the same airline company, they have the right to a full refund.

2. Act quickly

When the flight is canceled or postponed, do everything to talk to the agent as soon as possible. For example, if you are at the airport or in the queue waiting to talk to the ticket sales agent, use the time to reach the company through their app or phone number. Also, use web locations such as Google Flights or Skyscanner to follow alternative flight schedules.

3. Learn how to reach the airline company

This is not easy to do by phone, because phone lines are mostly busy, so consider the option of using social networks or even going straight to the airport to talk to the ticket sales agent.

4. Stick to direct flights

The fewer transfers, the lower the possibility of being late. Of course, direct lines can be more expensive, but in this case, with all the uncertainties regarding the trip, a little more money comes as an insurance against unexpected delays or cancellations. Better seek flexible prices and avoid cancellation compensations if possible.

5. Book connected seats when traveling with friends and family

In order to ensure that the seats of your co-passengers are not scattered around after the flight is canceled, book all the seats as part of a single reservation, because that makes it more likely that you will get connected seats when you book another flight.

6. Plan more time between transfer flights

The general rule is to give yourself 60 to 90 minutes for transfers when it comes to domestic flights and two hours when it comes to international ones, writes Lifehacker. However, it’s better to have a longer rest – that is, around three or four hours. Of course, that extends the travel time, but try to think of it as a form of travel insurance, especially if you have to take a flight which is available only a few times a day.

7. Consider purchasing travel insurance

Your credit card will probably provide you with certain protection against canceled flights, so it’s advisable to always pay for airline tickets by card. And if there are travel costs you don’t want to pay for in case of a cancellation or delay, take out additional travel insurance which will cover those costs. The insurance can differ to a great extent from what it actually covers, so make sure to check twice all the things it covers.

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