5 Helpful Tips to Cope with Flight Delays

Bad weather condition, security problems, equipment failure and unexpected airplane maintenance or repair — these things can delay your flight and can disrupt your travel plans. It’s normal to feel disappointed when any of this travel hassle strikes. But, sometimes, it can get too frustrating that you find yourself venting your anger at the nearest airport employee.

So, to keep your cool in the event of a flight delay, here are some essential tips to help you cope with this travel hassle:

Before Going to the Airport

1. Have a Backup Plan

Before you leave the house, plan ahead and make sure that you have options in an event of an airport delay. Say for example, find an alternative route or transportation to reach your destination or, in case you get stranded, book a hotel reservation. To help you cope up with the additional expenses during a flight delay, you should buy travel insurance that provides coverage for this emergency situation. But before buying one, read travel insurance reviews so that you will know which of them fits your needs.

2. Watch the Weather Forecast

Trust us, bad weather can affect your travel plans. This is why you need to watch the weather forecast to know days ahead if your flight might be affected by bad conditions like typhoons or winter storms. Also, knowing about the weather forecast days before you travel will help you plan your itinerary as well as organise your belongings and bring the right attire that is appropriate for the trip.

3. Store Important Details on Your Phone

The contact information of the best travel insurance agent, car rental company, hotel, airline and health care provider should be stored or listed in your mobile phone. This way, in case you find yourself in an unfortunate circumstance (e.g. your flight gets delayed or cancelled; your luggage is lost or missing; and you fall ill or got injured), you will have the information to help you contact these people or service providers. Getting a travellers insurance that covers things will guarantee that whatever the problem you will encounter, it will be easier to solve.

At the Airport

4. Keep Yourself Busy

To beat the boredom in case you need to wait for hours at the airport due to unexpected technical glitches or aircraft maintenance, keep yourself busy. Instead of spending your time not doing anything, keep your mind productive and occupied. Say, read a book about your travel destination or converse with other passengers or your friends to pass the time. Doing these will not only distract you from getting restless, frustrated or impatient; but, conversing with strangers will make you feel good and reading books will help you learn new things as well.

5. Stay Accessible

During flight delays, make sure to remain accessible and focus your attention on listening to the airline’s updates. Stay in an area where you can hear flight updates clearly. In case of extended delay, leave your contact details to the airline personnel and keep your mobile phone on and within reach at all times to avoid missing out on updates.