The 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland has already caused the cancellation of over 17,000 flights, disrupting air travel all over the world. Thousands of people were stuck at the airport, missing their business meetings, weddings, family reunions and other events. Many people are saying that such a widespread flight disruption hasn’t occurred since the terrorist attacks on 9/11. If you have ever been in a situation where your flight has been cancelled, you are already aware of the anger, frustration and chaos that can occur. Here are a few simple tips to reduce the stress of a cancelled flight.
Step 1 – Take a Deep Breath.
Many people can feel panicked, stressed, angry or scared when they realize that their flight has been cancelled. These feelings are natural, though they are not productive to solving your problem. Understand that the airline is not purposefully disrupting your plans, or trying to prevent you from reaching your destination. Once you are calm, you will have a much easier time solving your situation.
Step 2 – Get in Line.
After a flight cancellation, you will most likely be directed to a service kiosk. Since all of the other passengers in your flight will also need to get in line, be prepared for a long wait.
Step 3 – Call Your Airline.
While you’re waiting in line, it’s highly recommended that you call the 800 number for the airline your flight was on. This can have a huge imact on reducing the amount of time that you need to spend dealing with your cancelled flight. This number should be printed on your tickets, or can be accessed by navigating to the airline’s website on your mobile phone.
Step 4 – Prepare Your Personal Information.
While on the phone with your airline, be prepared to describe details about your situation. You may be asked for:
- Your name
- Your flight number
- The method of payment for your tickets
- Your destination
- Personal details (social security number, date of birth, etc)
Be sure that you have all of this information easily available before calling the customer service number.
Step 5 – Be Polite.
By the time you make it to the customer service kiosk, the agents will most likely be tired of irate, frustrated and angry customers. Be polite, stating your situation clearly and without insinuating that you hold the airline at fault. Never yell, swear or accuse the customer service associate of not providing you with proper service. If you are polite, it’s much more likely that they will be motivated to help you to find a solution to your cancelled flight.
Step 6 – Be Informed.
In some cases, the information that you receive by calling your airline’s 800 number may be different than the information given to you at the customer service kiosk. If this occurs, you may be able to find a solution by presenting this information. For example, if the representative on the phone says that there is an earlier flight that you may take, you can give this information to the representative at the kiosk. Be sure to include details such as the flight number, time of the flight, airline (if different), gate number and any other relevant details.
Step 7 – Be Clear About Your Arrangements.
In the event of a cancelled flight, there may be several arrangements offered to you by your airline. This may include:
- Complimentary Food
- Complimentary Hotel
- Voucher for a Future Flight
- Free Seat Upgrade for New Flight
- Coupon for Money Off a Future Flight
- Complimentary Transportation
Depending on the reason for your flight’s cancellation, there may be a wait of several hours (or days) until you are able to get a new flight. If this occurs, the airline may offer you a complimentary hotel, a voucher for purchasing food, and free transportation from the airport to the hotel. Be sure that you know the exact details of any arrangements that they make for you – such as the address of the hotel, the location where your transportation is leaving, and the exact time of your rescheduled flight (if any).
Step 8 – Reschedule Your Plans.
You should only reschedule your plans after you are completely clear about the new arrangements given to you by your airline (unless, of course, you choose an alternate course of action, such as renting a car to drive to your destination). Reschedule your business meeting, call your family, or any other person who will be affected by your delay.
