Even if you travel only a few times during the year, you are pretty likely to experience a flight delay. This can be pretty inconvenient for those that are in hurry or traveling with children. Luckily there are a few things you can do to handle a flight delay with ease.
Plan ahead. Before leaving for the airport, call the airline or check their website to make check on your flight status. It can be difficult to deal with a flight delay if you are just sitting around for several hours waiting to board your plane. Pack books, snacks or a laptop in your carry-on bag. Make sure are your electronics are fully charged before you leave the house. Keep your charges on you as you can often plug in while waiting at a terminal. If you have kids who are traveling with you, make sure you bring a few new toys for them to play with or crayons and coloring books.
Make backup plans. One of the most stressful things about flight delays is thinking that you won’t be able to get to your destination at all. This is why it’s important to have some sort of backup plan just in case your flight is delayed for a long period of time. Have a backup plan of alternative options to get to your destination. This may involve renting a car at the airport or knowing which airlines would be able to accommodate your travel plans. Even if you don’t need to utilize your backup plan you will at least be relieved to know that you will have another means to get to your destination just in case your flight is delayed for an extended period of time. Make sure and check if you are going to miss a connecting flight so the airline can assist you in making alternate arrangements. If you are going to experience a long delay, consider a day pass to the airline’s lounge (such as Delta Sky Club,) where you can shower, take a nap, snack and watch tv comfortably. A day pass runs around $50 pp.
Keep a positive attitude now matter what. Simply being in a good mood will make a flight delay be less stressful and go by quicker. Let’s face it; there’s nothing you can do to prevent a flight delay. Being angry or upset will just make the situation worse. Realize that things happen and you will eventually get to where you are going. To remain positive during this time, call friends or family members that put you in a good mood or read a funny book. Even just exploring the airport while you are waiting will take your mind off of the delay and could be fun in the process.
Flight delays aren’t very enjoyable for most people. By utilizing the above tips your flight delays can go from being a stressful situation to a tolerable one.
