Handy Tips When Airlines Mess Up Your Travel Plans

 Doesn’t matter if it’s the rush of the Holidays or you’re on vacation – unforeseen mess ups can, and will, ruin your travel plans. While it can be hard to prepare for unscheduled inconveniences, there are things you can do to better prepare yourself so you can avoid that unwanted headache. The tips we compiled below can be a total lifesaver – ready?

Handy Tips When Airlines Mess Up Your Travel Plans

Be On Time

We know, this one is practically unnecessary but man, the horror stories of people missing flights just because they didn’t show up on time. Even if you’re mere seconds late, the plane ~will not~ wait for you! Now if you do happen to miss the flight, go to the airline’s front desk. Remember, they aren’t obligated to get you on the next flight, however that’s not true for all airlines.

Cash Compensation

When you’re traveling in the United States or the EU, if your flight is ever overbooked, then you are entitled to a cash compensation. This is serious! We are not pulling your leg. Double check with the airline because you could be entitled to a meal voucher or even a hotel room.

Cash Compensation

Charge Your Phone

Ahem, with today’s social media crazed world, it’s best to keep your phone charged. Always! This way, you can remain entertained for one, but most importantly you have access to all your contacts and other important information stored on your phone. Just in case of an emergency. But if you really want to make sure you’re safe, be sure to write all the important numbers and information you need on a piece of paper and keep that on you at all times.

Rebooked

When your flight plans are changed, you’ll receive an email but make sure to check that you’re been automatically rebooked. Most of the airlines do this, especially when travelers check in online.

Rebooked

Confirm Car Rentals

Often times when flying somewhere new (or even for the millionth time), it’s important that you call to re-confirm your car rental. Especially if you’ll be getting in later than previously stated. There are times when the car rental company overbooks as they expect people not to show up. So if you show up late and they weren’t aware of this, if they’re out of cars then sadly you’re out of luck!

Why Was It Canceled

Canceled flight? Put your best private investigator cap on and get to the bottom of why! Was it the cause of bad weather? Maybe the airline overbooked the flight? The reason why ties into the next tip!

Why Was It Canceled

Read The Fine Print

Not a fan of unwanted stress? Get in line. Kidding, make sure you read the fine print then. Be sure to print your ticket in advance or read the airlines “Contract of Carriage.” No airline has the exact same rules and regulations, so it’s best to brush up on all your rights. Plus you never know what you could be entitled to.

Flight Attendants

Here’s a fact every traveler needs to be made aware of: flight attendants are only paid when the cabin doors are closed. Trust us, no matter how annoyed and upset you are, the flight attendants are more so cause they aren’t even getting paid.

Flight Attendants

Irreplaceables Go In Your Carry On

Sometimes your luggage gets lost and that is the ultimate bummer. If the airline can’t find your luggage, they will pay you back but it will much less then the total cost of all your things. That’s why it is always recommended that you pack all your irreplaceable things in your carry on. Such as important medication, antique gifts, electronics, etc.

Track Your Baggage

Ask the airline to do the heavy lifting if you miss your connecting flight – it’s their responsibility to track and locate your baggage. Furthermore, they may hold your baggage for you, until you finally arrive at your destination. Otherwise it’ll get lost in the chaos of the “unclaimed baggage” area. So stay on the safe side, and pack extra underwear for your carry on.

Track Your Baggage

Save Receipts

While there is no guarantee that even if you save your receipts (whether it’s for food, clothes, and so on) while waiting for your flight will be reimbursed. However if there is a possibility, we recommend that you keep proof of purchase.

Relax

You might be thinking this sounds easier said than done. However, just remain calm because at the end of the day, you will get to your final destination – just later than you anticipated. Just go for a walk, eat some food, have a drink, chat with travelers, or read a book. Whatever you feel you need to do to remain cool, calm, and collected.

Relax