4 Tips for Managing a Storm-Canceled Flight

7/17/2021 (Permalink)

A cancelled flight due to the weather can be a stressful experience. Take a deep breath and follow these tips.

Many people think of air travel as a stress-inducing event, not just the act of flying but the entire process. When a storm hits and throws off your travel plans unexpectedly, it creates an even bigger headache. It's beneficial to understand beforehand what to do in the case of a canceled flight so the process can go smoother. Here are some tips for managing a flight that was canceled due to weather.

1. Understand Your Rights

When you schedule a flight, you agree to specific terms, which vary from airline to airline. These terms also vary from country to country. For example, the European Union requires airlines to compensate clients such as hotel rooms and meals for delays longer than two hours and cancellations. However, the United States does not have these regulations.

2. Use Social Media

When you're stressing over a canceled flight, you may not consider alternative forms of contacting the airline such as social media platforms such as Twitter. Sometimes customer service is more accessible by this means of communication. It's a good suggestion for contacting other services, such as storm damage restoration professionals.

3. Check the Airline's Website

Check the airline's website to see if you can check your flight's current status. It should also tell you if the airline has booked you on an alternate flight. If you need more information, call the airline or go to the customer service desk.

4. Call the Airline

If you're already at the airport when you find your flight has been canceled, you can go to your airline's customer service desk and wait, and while you're waiting there, call the airline on the phone. Depending on the airline, a weather-related cancelation may entitle you to hotel or food vouchers, maybe even a replacement airline ticket.

A canceled flight will never be a stress-free event. Just as with other storm tips, the key is to being prepared beforehand anything happens. This way, before you head out of North St. Paul, MN, you'll find it easier to navigate the unexpected.