Can’t Get Lift off Tonight: How to Prepare and Plan for a Canceled Flight

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

Had a cancelled flight due to storm situations in Orwigsburg, PA.

While in most severe weather situations you can look for experts in the Orwigsburg, PA, area for storm tips and advice, you will likely not find much valuable information when conferring about flight cancellations, even though a canceled flight, depending on the time a year, can be devastating. However, the following four tips can help make the cancellation process more manageable.

1. Preplan for Inclement Weather

As with most issues, taking preventative action is usually the best measure; therefore, if possible, plan around weather and plan for direct routes as often as possible to avoid potential layovers in areas prone to severe storms.

2. Don’t Wait, Call

Preparation doesn’t always work, and in the case of a canceled flight you should never line up with the hordes of other people as instructed by the airline. Most of the time, it is more beneficial to call the airline directly and arrange another flight. You will likely find that you are helped quicker over the phone, allowing you to jump the line sooner.

3. Ask for Possible Reimbursement

While being bumped from a flight can earn you a little compensation, airlines don’t necessarily have to provide you with the same courtesy when your flight is canceled for unforeseen circumstances. However, it doesn’t hurt to ask, and some airlines will reimburse a portion of a purchase to keep the customer happy.

4. Go to Bed

In the worst case scenario, after you’ve had a frustrating day, it may be best to wave the white flag and surrender. Find yourself a nearby hotel and wait out the storm until morning, this allows you to reschedule your flight in the comfort of a hotel suite.

A canceled flight can be a nightmare for most, depending on the time of year, but with a little bit of preplanning it is possible to avoid the likelihood of cancellation; however, when it happens, the best thing is to remain patient and follow the above steps.