What to do When You're Stranded at the Airport
It happens to all of us eventually. You might be flying home to see family in London, Ontario or about to embark on an African Safari. All of a sudden, a plane breaks or the flight has been oversold and you’re stranded at the airport.
Whatever your situation, your first line of defence is to come prepared and be calm. Here are a few tips for surviving being stranded at the airport:
Buy travel insurance with trip interruption
One of the most important things to remember about flying is the airline is only responsible for accommodating you up to a certain point, especially when there are unforeseen events like mechanical failure or really bad weather.
You could be left waiting at the airport for hours or frantically rebooking accommodations if you have to take a detour to a different city. This is where being a boy (or girl!) scout pays off with preparedness. Buying a good travel insurance plan with trip interruption and cancellation can save you a mint if things go sideways while you’re south of the border. A good policy will reimburse you for hotel and other expenses that may come up.
Pack your carry on like your life depends on it
While you probably won’t have to live out of your carry on for long, it makes sense to pack your necessities all in one place in the event you can’t get to your other luggage for a while. Things like your identification, money, credit cards, medication, extra change of clothes and other necessities should all be within reach and ready to aid you in your moment of need.
You’ll also want to include something to pass the time, just in case that you need to entertain yourself while the airline sorts out its stuff. I have an iPad that is my library, personal movie theatre, mini laptop and video game system all rolled into one. Most people keep their smartphones with them, but it makes sense to pack options that will entertain you.
Advocate for yourself
Just because stuff happens with the airline doesn’t mean you don’t have a right to courteous service, clear communication about your situation, and a willingness to accommodate you to the best of their abilities. Advocate for yourself in a positive way when you’re stranded at the airport. It can be hard to do when you’re frustrated, but if you think through what you want to say it can go a long way to helping your situation.
Take advantage of long layovers
If you know it’s going to be around for a while and you’re stranded in a cool city, leave the airport for a few hours and take in some of the sights. Most airports have free Wifi so you can Google your tourism options and turn a cruddy situation to your advantage with an unexpected travel adventure.
Bigger airports also have some great amenities like spa services, boutique shopping, and restaurants that can offer a nice way to pass the time. Have an amazing steak, get your nails done, or peruse the options for Cousin Penny’s baby gift.
Travelling is really about taking the bad with the good so make the most of your lousy layover and turn your bad stranded at the airport experience into a great story.
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