Nobody loves travel disruptions. So what can you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled? Here are some ideas to help you make the most of a frustrating situation.
Dealing with cancelled or delayed flights can be a frustrating and emotionally taxing experience, particularly if you're travelling for business. That's why it's important to know what to do. Despite hours of careful planning, having a strategy for handling travel disruptions can help you feel calmer when your plans unexpectedly change.
Before you book
Know your rights under the Flight Rights Canada, a set of policies that outlines the airline code of conduct and the rights of all air passengers in Canada.
- Flight Rights Canada includes information on interruptions, such as delays and cancellations, denied boarding, downgrades, re-routing and other topics.
What's more, every airline has additional travel policies and protocols for flight delays and cancellations.
- Be sure to read these policies before you book your flight, as they provide information on what you should do if you need assistance.
Before you fly
Get the toll-free numbers for your travel agency and the airline.
- If you have the toll-free numbers, you can reach those companies during an emergency, even if you're in another country.
Monitor weather bulletins for your current location and your final destination. Airlines and other transportation services usually provide travel advisories before inclement weather strikes.
- Subscribe to real-time flight notifications via mobile phones and follow company social media sites for online updates.
Anticipate possible delays or cancellations caused by extremely bad weather, local situations or personal delays.
- Create an alternative itinerary or a list of things you and the people waiting for you can do to make up for the lost time if a delay or cancellation occurs.
In the airport
If a flight delay or cancellation is confirmed, listen to the airport announcement and make sure you understand the advisory or instructions.
- If things aren't clear, politely approach airport personnel and tell them you need to talk to an airline representative to get firsthand information. Refer to the airport flight bulletin for updates.
Quickly queue up at your airline's customer service counter if you need to be on the next available flight.
- If you're in a queue, it's best to also call your travel agent or the airline's booking hotline. In some cases, you can re-book faster by phone.
Inform your family and the people expecting your arrival of the delay, including contact persons at shuttle or rental car companies, restaurants or hotels.
