There is no doubt that a flight cancellation can mess with your itinerary, which can be quite upsetting. However, beyond getting upset, there are many ways you can make the most of the situation. This article highlights some helpful tips for when you are faced with such.
3 Helpful Tips for When Your Flight is Cancelled
1. Talk to an agent
If you were already at the airport when the flight got cancelled, you would likely have a lot of unanswered questions. At this point, you can walk to the information desk and request to speak to an airline agent. You could also send an email to the airline or call their telephone number. This will be the best time to request the reason for the cancellation and other details, like the flight rescheduling. Most airlines would readily have you booked for the next flight, but it’s best to confirm what their plans are. You should also check your email and SMS for any notifications from the airline to point you toward the next best step to take.
2. Review your airline’s cancellation policy
Different policies guide different airlines, and this is sometimes based on the location of the airline or the flight. If you are travelling from the EU or landing in an EU member state with a European airline, the EC 261 regulation covers you. Different airlines might still have their specific policies but for the most part, they are required to follow the EC 261 law. You can further visit their website to see if there’s anything else you need to know regarding their policy.
Know your rights under this law, as it exists to protect the rights of air passengers against severe flight disruptions. You may be entitled to up to €250 – €600 in compensation with access to complimentary food and drinks and a free hotel booking. However, the reason for the cancellation must have been within the airline’s control and not due to extraordinary circumstances.
3. Advocate for yourself
If you’re stuck at the airport with news of your flight cancellation, you need to take action as soon as possible. Figure out how soon the airline can get you a seat on another flight. Sometimes, getting through to an agent might take some time due to the call wait time; try dialling another number rather than consistently trying the same number. Some airlines have their Twitter support on standby, so you can also try that option. The longer you wait at the airport, the more frustrating it gets. Try to avoid this kind of mistake when your flight is cancelled. Do everything possible to ensure it is resolved, and be polite to the staff workers while you are at it.
Bottom Line
No one wants to deal with flight cancellation after perfectly planning their trip. However, there are times when it is inevitable and this article already highlights key things you can do. In addition, you can improve your odds of avoiding cancellations by choosing the right flight. Do your research on airlines and avoid the ones with numerous records of flight cancellations. Also, it’s best to opt for morning flights, as they will be less likely to be disrupted compared to evening flights.
