30 Oct WHEN WEATHER DELAYS YOUR FLIGHT: WHAT TO DO
BUSINESS TRAVEL WEATHER WOES? MAKE THE MOST OF IT
Business travel, so dependent on the careful keeping of a schedule and near-perfect organization, can take a big hit when weather causes a flight to be delayed. For many business travelers, the inevitable scheduling problems that come with a delayed flight can spell disaster for the trajectory of productivity and staying on task during their trip; fortunately, with a little preparation and research, you can deal with a delayed flight efficiently and ensure that your trip stays on track.
KNOW WHAT YOUR AIRLINE IS REQUIRED TO DO FOR YOU
On the occasion of delay or cancellation of your flight, your airline might be required, by law and their own contract of carriage, to provide certain compensation for the time and money you’ve lost.
For example, your airline’s contract of carriage may state that they will find suitable lodging for customers in the event of a canceled flight during the customer’s wait for a flight to become available the following day.
Southwest Airlines provides customers with delayed or canceled flights with the closest lodging in the vicinity of the airport, as well as insurance against extra charges when the passenger purchases a ticket for a different flight.
Your airline may also be able to help you find a different flight through another airline, if you ask.
ALWAYS HAVE A FLIGHT TRACKING APP ON HAND
One way that technology can benefit business travelers during a flight delay is through providing them with up-to-date information on the status of flights, available seats and cancellations.
Finding the right flight tracking app is easy; there are dozens out there for you to try. Some of our favorites include:
- FlightAware Flight Tracker
- Gate Guru
- Airport Zoom
- FlightBoard
Some of these apps will show you which airlines and flights have seats left, while others will show all the same information that airport flight boards show, without your having to wander around the airport to spot an actual flight board.
BE PREPARED WITH CAR SERVICE
If you find that your flight has been canceled, and that you’ll have to stay in the city for a night, you’ll need to ensure that you have adequate transportation so you can get around during your stay. Though many business people have transportation waiting for them in their destination city, an unexpected flight delay or cancellation means they’ll be left depending on taxis or public transit in the interim, neither of which offer the safest or most efficient service.
You deserve the trustworthy service and discretion of a reputable car service company and a professional chauffeur; when your flight is delayed, you have to find a way to continue being productive, and booking car service is one way to ensure that you can.
GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED
Another important part of dealing with a delayed flight is to get information from the airport personnel themselves. There is, after all, only so much a flight tracking app can tell you. Make time to speak to an employee of the airport, get information on the flight, possible alternate flights, and times of each. Even if they can’t put you on another flight, they can confirm the situation so you can proceed from there.
For many business travelers, especially those unprepared for a delayed or canceled flight, finding ways to deal efficiently with the situation is difficult. Not only must you contend with a challenge to your schedule, you must also wrestle with the uncertainty of finding a replacement flight. Other times, you must make the most of being stuck in a transition city by getting a hotel room and booking car service to ensure that you’ll be able to catch the first flight available flight at the nearby airport.
However you deal with a delayed flight, it’s always smart to plan ahead and be a prepared as possible. For constant business travelers, a delayed or canceled flight is likely, especially during the winter months. It never hurts to take precautions.