Travelling can be quite an ordeal; especially when your flight is cancelled. Here is a list of things you can do if your flight is cancelled on your next trip while abroad.

Don’t Panic!

This kind of thing happens all the time. Airports are well-prepared for cancelled flights and are relatively quick to provide you with information. I know sometimes you need to be somewhere important (weddings, funerals, business trips, etc.), but everyone should be understanding and know that this is something out of your and sometimes the airline’s control. Try to stay calm and figure out a game plan for the next couple of hours.

Call your Family, Employer and/or Friends.

Let your friends, boss and/or family know that your flight was cancelled and that you might not be able to make it back on time. Try to keep at least one person updated about your changed travel plans so they know of your whereabouts.

Check your email.

Check your email for updates from your airline. They may have already re-scheduled you for another flight later in the day or the following day. They might even reimburse your seat fees as a small apology for the inconvenience.

Find an Information Point.

Find an information point in the airport and they will inform you about what to do next. The information point is usually near the shopping zone/seating area in the airport; if you are already passed security. If you have not passed security yet, go to the check-in counter for further information or call the airline helpline.

If you are already passed security, the information desk will inform you on what to do next. Depending on the country and the duration of the delay, you may be entitled to a hotel for the night. If your flight has been rescheduled for the following day, they will most likely ask you how many beds you will need for the night. They will then most likely take you to recollect your baggage in a large group at baggage claim.

Re-collect your Baggage.

Recollect your bags at baggage claim and then follow the group to the buses if the airline is providing you with accommodations for the night. If the airline is not providing a night stay, I would definitely recommend calling the airline to see if they can reimburse or cover any of your additional costs.

Head to the Bus Pick-Up Zone.

Once at the buses, make sure to be patient getting your luggage on the bus. Everyone is in a hurry (for some reason?), so you might have to take the second bus that shows up.

Check-In to your Hotel.

The bus will bring you to a hotel (Ex. Holiday Inn) that is usually about 15-30 minutes away from the airport. The front desk will then scan your ID (passport or other official government ID) and give you a room key for your own personal room. Make sure to ask the front desk when pick-up is for the following day. You do not want to miss your transportation back to the airport!

Enjoy a Free Meal!

The airline will most likely provide you with one or two free meals during your layover. The voucher they provide will either cover the cost at the hotel restaurant or a restaurant near the hotel.

Checkout of the Hotel.

Time to checkout!

Here’s an example of how this might look:

If you’re rescheduled flight is the next morning at 10 am, you would probably check out of the hotel at around 6 am and return your room key to the front desk. The airline might also give you a breakfast baggie or offer you the hotel’s breakfast if the flight is not too early. Everyone would then get back on the buses and the airline would drop you off at departures.

Check-in, Pass Security, Wait at your Gate.

Once you’re back at the airport, your next step is to recheck in at your designated airline desk. The airline will give you an updated boarding pass. Then, head through security and go wait at your new gate number.

Take your Fight Home!

Hopefully, everything has worked out and you are finally on your flight home. Yay! At this point, sit back, relax, and enjoy a smooth flight home.

Use a Discount Voucher on your Next Flight.

Usually, the airline will provide you with a voucher that will save you about 25% on your next flight as an apology for the cancellation. You will have about 3 months to book another flight with the discount voucher. Take advantage of this voucher if you can and hopefully your next flight with them will run smoothly. If it doesn’t, scroll up and start at step 1 again. 

Good luck on your next flying adventure!

Safe travels,

Carina