How to Handle Unexpected Travel Delays

Flights can become delayed due to storms, fog, snow or wind. And not just in your departure city, weather in your destination or connecting cities can also cause delays. Weather impacts more than just flights - bad weather can delay a road trip or even passenger trains depending on the route.

No one wants to push through with unsafe travels, and that’s why technical and mechanical issues are taken seriously. Airplanes don’t take off if any systems are alerting to even a minor issue. And of course, if your vehicle decides not to start that will put a damper on a road trip! Trains, subways, buses and even trolleys all face the possibility of technical and mechanical malfunctions.

Labor disruptions like strikes and protests from airline staff, air traffic controllers or transport workers can result in flight cancellations or delays since the lack of staff means the airport or airline cannot operate as normal, if at all.

Lengthy security checks or customs inspections at airports and international borders can delay boarding, increase wait times and even lead to missed connections, especially during peak travel times.

Check to see how long your flight is delayed through your airline’s mobile app, website or directly at the customer service counter in your terminal. For lengthy delays, you can check to see if there are any earlier flights scheduled that you could switch to. Many airline apps make this very easy to do yourself, which lets you avoid those long lines forming at the ticket counter. Keep in mind, if the delay is due to something like weather, it’s likely other flights will be delayed as well.

If your flight delay causes you to miss your connecting flight, most airlines will automatically rebook you for another flight. Even if you’re automatically rebooked, it’s worth checking all of your flight options, as there may be a different flight that works better for you. Another option is to work with a customer service agent at your gate to see if there are other route options to get you home. This can be especially helpful if you live near more than one airport and don’t have a vehicle parked at your destination airport.

Getting stuck at the airport can dampen your trip. While you wait it out, you might as well take advantage of the amenities your airport offers. Most airports will have restaurants, gift shops, books stores and local art displays to help pass the time. Some larger airports have gone all out with amenities, so much so that your delay might just end up being a highlight of your trip. Vancouver International Airport has a 30,000-gallon aquarium exhibit1, San Francisco Airport has free yoga rooms for travelers looking to relax, and Singapore’s Changi Airport is home to the world’s largest indoor waterfall! For longer delays, consider buying a one-day pass to your airline’s lounge where you’re likely to get access to comfier seating, free food and drinks and plenty of charging stations. Some airline lounges even offer showers where you can refresh as you wait out the delay away from the terminal.

Finally, if you do need to stay overnight, see if an airport hotel is an option. If there are no hotels directly at the airport, look for hotels nearby that offer shuttle service.

Keep some essential travel items in your carry-on in case you don’t have access to your checked luggage during a flight delay. Prescriptions, a change of clothes, a toothbrush, body wipes for when you start to feel that long-travel-delay staleness and, of course, entertainment options to help pass the time.

If you have a driver or shuttle booked, be sure to inform them of your delay. In some cases, the booking company will track your flight so they may be aware of the delay, but you’ll want to update them on your new arrival time.

You should inform your hotel of your delay as well so they know when to expect you, especially if your arrival will be late at night or has been pushed back a day or more. If you have a travel insurance plan, remember to save invoices and receipts for costs and fees you may incur for changes made to your reservations as you may be able to file a claim for reimbursement under your travel delay coverage.

An unexpected travel delay is when having a travel insurance plan can really come to the rescue. On Travel Guard’s comprehensive travel insurance plans travel delay coverage can provide reimbursement for reasonable additional expenses until travel becomes possible. Those expenses can include meal costs, a hotel stay and personal items you may not have access to if they’re in your checked luggage. Be sure to save your receipts to include with your claim for reimbursement.

As the airport announcements always remind us, never leave your luggage unattended. Keeping your luggage, and more importantly yourself, safe and secure should be top of mind whenever you’re traveling. If you need some rest during a long travel delay, there are some things you can do to keep you and your belongings safe and secure:

• Use your luggage as a pillow or hug it to your body to prevent someone from being able to take it without you waking.
• Find someplace to sleep that is quiet, but not so far away from others that you’re secluded.
• Set an alarm – you don’t want to risk making your delay even longer by missing your flight!
• If you’re traveling solo, think about investing in a personal safety alarm, which would be useful during more than just travel delays.