Nobody wants their flight to be delayed but it does happen. Here are some hints on how to handle possible delays.
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DON’T BOOK TIGHT CONNECTIONS
This is a proactive approach. If the airline you are flying on has a record of delays and cancellations (info can be obtained from Flight Stats). If you are going somewhere remote such as an outer island, don’t book your international connection home the same day.
MONITOR YOUR INCOMING FLIGHT ONLINE
Again, Flight Stats is your friend. If you are traveling from Istanbul to Bangkok, check that the plane left its home airport on time. FlightAware is also good for this. If the flight hasn’t left Bangkok on time it probably won’t leave Istanbul for the return on time.
WATCH WEATHER REPORTS AND THE NEWS IN YOUR DESTINATION
A few months ago several airlines cancelled flights to Tel Aviv due to the war, then resumed flights a few days later when they decided it was safe. A volcano in Iceland has been erupting. Check on anything that could delay or cancel your flight and make contingency plans.
HAVE YOUR AIRLINE’S TOLL FREE NUMBER STORED IN SKYPE
Many people who are traveling overseas won’t have global roaming as it is expensive. You can use Skype to call any airline’s customer service number for free using wifi.
USE SKYPE OR TWITTER TO LET YOUR HOTELS KNOW
If you will be arriving late, let your hotel know so they don’t give your room away.
KNOW WHAT THE ALTERNATIVES ARE
This may be as simple as the same airline having a flight a few hours later or having to rebook you onto another airline’s flight. Also know if you are due compensation, this usually only happens if it’s the airline’s fault-mechanical, labour, overbooking, etc.
BE AHEAD OF OTHERS
If there are two of you, have one person wait in line while one of you calls or Skypes the airline. Have a list of alternatives available such as a list of flights going to the destination. If you use Flight Stats and Flightaware to monitor your flight, you will be aware of potential delays before the majority of other passnegers.