What to do when your flight is cancelled or delayed

We’ve touched on the subject before, but recent experiences and the summer travel season have brought it back to the top of our minds. The most important thing to remember is to be patient and friendly. Delays happen. They can be caused by a variety of factors and not all of them are in the airlines’ control. Most certainly not the staff member’s control who is assisting you (most likely).

Throwing a fit, getting angry, or raising your voice is likely not going to get you very far (literally). The agents are there to help you get to your destination and showing them a little bit of friendliness will go much further, even if their hands are tied.

Have an idea of what other flights are available
Knowing the airline’s schedule, or having an idea of other routings/airports can get you to your final destination quicker sometimes. Taking a direct flight may save you time when everything’s on schedule; but if you can get there with a connection you might have a better chance of arriving earlier than those who are willing to stick it out.
Sometimes agents may even be able to fly you on a different airline. In times of disruption, airlines will often call upon other airlines to help them out. Don’t automatically assume it’s available and be prepared to ask the agents specific questions because it’s not always offered; and certainly not automatically.

One thing that can really help you with your accommodation on another flight is to not have a checked bag. Airlines are obliged where possible to fly the bags with the owners on the same flight. In the event of switching flights and delays and cancellations, these bags need to be traced and re-sorted onto the owners’ new flights. If you only have carry-on; all you have to do is show up at the gate.