Airport Avenger: Tips and Top Secrets for Airlines, Airfares, Fees, Security and Cancelations
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Have a Back-Up Plan
Bumped and Canceled Flights
So What's the Plan?
It's always a good idea to have an escape plan--in case your house catches fire, in case someone tries to mug you, in case a tornado bears down on you. In other words, in case the unexpected happens.
We all like to think that we won't find our flight canceled or be trapped in the terminal by some security snafu. Unfortunately, stuff happens. Don't leave it up to the airlines to decide what's best for you when your travel plans are interrupted. Have a plan.
- Be aware of flights leaving around the same time as yours, heading to the same destination, before you go to the airport. Keep the flight numbers handy and ask the gate agent if you can get on one of them if it looks like a temporary delay for your flight is sliding toward a cancelation.
- Check your flight's status on our website before you go to the airport. Get email, phone or text alerts for delayed and canceled flights. Many airlines offer these services. You can set it up on their web sites. They're a simple way to get a heads-up and avoid aggravation.
- Check the schedules for flights on other airlines. Some carriers will book you on those flights if they can't get you on one of theirs. If they don't offer to do it, ask them.
- What's going on at alternate airports? If flights are grounded at the airport you're at, are they still flying elsewhere? A drive to another airport is often better than spending a night in the terminal.
- Make a list of hotels you might have to call if you get stuck. Book a room while you're waiting to rebook a flight. Don't count on the airline putting you up in a hotel, but they might.
- Get the lay of the land before you arrive at the airport. Check airport websites for maps showing services, ground transportation, hotels, restaurants and ATM machines. There are few things worse than swimming through a tide of stranded passengers looking for food, drink, taxis and, yes, restrooms.
More tips and top secrets about cancellations and delays:
What Do They Owe You?
Trapped on the Tarmac