Airline delays and cancellations are never a fun part of any trip but they are sometimes a part of travel life.
Airline staff are experienced at handling disruptions in travel schedules and are trained to communicate with passengers whenever delays or cancellations occur.
However, liaising with airline staff is not always straightforward. Time pressures, lack of information and jet lag can cause even the most laidback of travellers to become frustrated and angry and ground staff often have to deal with dozens of customers.
But it doesn’t need to be this way.
If you are a frequent traveller then this post is for you: the following tips and tactics have been put together to help you calmly and successfully navigate any airline delays and cancellations.
Ready? Take a deep breath and read on…
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Preparing for Potential Delays
When it comes to air travel, delays are inevitable. Here are some ways to prepare for potential delays.
Understand regulations regarding flight delays
If flying within the European Union to countries such as France or Belgium, then it pays to understand the regulations around EU flight delay compensation.
EU regulations such as the EC261/2004, holds airlines financially accountable when air travel doesn’t go according to plan, as long as the disruption was not caused by circumstances outside of the airline’s control. If you know your rights then it will be that much easier to prepare a flight delay claim.
Pack essential items in your hand luggage
Airlines are required by European flight delay compensation regulations to provide care such as meals and accommodation in the event of delays but it’s still a good idea to bring essentials in your carry-on.
We have had to overnight in an airport hotel with kids, armed with only warm weather clothes in a New York blizzard. Don’t make the same mistake as us and pack a change of clothes and some simple toiletries in your hand luggage, particularly if you are travelling with children.
Subscribe for flight notifications
Download your airline’s app for real-time information including flight departure and arrival times. These can be invaluable when planning and preparing for a trip and also in the case of delays or cancellations.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled then your app will notify you immediately as well as update you on any changes in your flight’s status.
Book a direct flight
Direct flights are often more expensive than connecting flights but they are often more reliable. Not only is your journey quicker than if you had to catch connecting flights but you cut the risk of flight delays and cancellations simply by reducing the number of flights you have to take.
If direct flights are simply too expensive then make sure you allow enough time between connecting flights – the last thing you need is a sprint through an airport because the connection time is too tight.
Book a morning flight
Flights departing in the morning are much less likely to be delayed than those departing in the afternoon or evening as airline delays and cancellations tend to build up as the day progresses. And, if your morning flight is delayed or cancelled, you have the entire day ahead of you to organise a new one.
What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled
If you are unfortunate enough to have your flight delayed or cancelled then the following tips might help:
Contact airline ground staff
How you go about claiming compensation for a delayed flight can vary slightly between different airlines. However, regardless of who you fly with the first step is always to reach out to airline ground staff.
The best place to initiate contact with airline staff is at the airport. Speaking with the customer service representative in person is typically more effective than on the phone or by email. Staff can provide you with all the necessary information on airline delay compensation and answer any of your questions.
For subsequent questions regarding flight delay compensation, you can reach out to airline staff by phone or email, depending on the airline’s policies.
Know your rights
Dealing with airport staff successfully and receiving the compensation you deserve can be a challenge. However, you can keep these strategies in mind for successful interactions with delay compensation staff.
- Understand your passenger rights and regulations such as EC261/2004.
- Request any statements by the airline in writing, for future reference.
- Gather all relevant documents including booking reference number before talking with staff.
- Be nice! Shouting and getting angry will not help you receive your compensation any quicker.
Travelling with kids during flight delays
Traveling with children can make travel delays even more stressful. One of the best ways to entertain children during travel delays is to find a designated play area and let them play. If the airport doesn’t have a play area, find an open area where they have lots of room to roam.
For delays longer than two hours, airlines must also provide you and your children with meals and drinks.
Ask for help
Sometimes dealing with airlines can be too complicated; too many systems, too much paperwork and not enough opportunities to speak to a real person, particularly after you have left the airport.
If you find yourself banging your head against a brick wall then it’s time to call in help and hire a professional claim compensation company such as Skycop.
Skycop’s team of legal and aviation experts understand airline compensation regulations and have nearly 10 years experience dealing with airlines and successfully claiming compensation on behalf of customers. The Skycop team takes all the admin away and will communication with the airline on your behalf.
