Have you ever went to check-in for your flight or been waiting at the gate to find out your flight has been cancelled? Here is some tips on what to do if this happens to you:
Don’t panic
Stay calm. Kindness goes a long way. Be polite, but firm. The airline associates are there to make things go as smoothly as possible.
Get in line
As soon as you are aware that the flight has been canceled get in line to speak with an airline associate to protect you on the next available flight. If the carrier you are on does not have any available flights ask to be protected (rebooked) on another airline. Verify that you won’t be charged any additional fee to be protected on another carrier.
If the flight they protected you on is not until the next day some airlines will pay for a hotel stay if the cancellation is caused by mechanical troubles. You can also ask if they can offer you a voucher that will grant you a reduced rate at an airport hotel.
Call the airline while in line
When you find yourself in a long line at the airport, call the airline’s reservations number. The line may move slowly and you may be able to speak to someone quicker by calling. However, remember to stay in line until you are 100% sure you are confirmed on another flight.
Check on the Airlines Website
If you have a phone or laptop with internet connection, log into your reservations online on the airline website, in some cases, you might find you’ve already been automatically rebooked on a new flight. They may have even emailed you a new flight confirmation.
Don’t leave until you are booked on a new flight
When you make it to the front of the line, do not leave until you have a confirmation in hand of the new flight you are confirmed on. Don’t be afraid to ask for things. Often they’ll do what you want to just keep the line moving.
