“Your flight is cancelled; we apologize for the inconvenience” is a sentence straight out of a flyer’s nightmare because what is the next step? Panic? NO, read these flight delays and cancellations tips! Flight delays or sudden cancellations can cause extreme distress, especially if you’re waiting at a crowded Airport and must reach your destination immediately.
While the first step is always remaining calm, what should one do next? Rush to book another flight? Argue with customer services? Here is a quick flight booking guide to help you take the most effective route when a sudden change in flight schedule is on its way to disrupt your entire escape. Follow these easy tips to handle flight delays and get going!
Why do Flight Schedules Change Suddenly?
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A tiny disruption can cause the failure of a whole system when it comes to flights. So, if you’re worried about why your flight has been cancelled or delayed, here are some likely reasons flight delays & cancellations occur to calm your mind:
- Harsh weather: Sudden weather conditions like strong winds, storms, increased fog, or dust can lead to cancellations or delays.
- Air traffic problems: Congestion and direction issues can cause delays.
- Availability of crew: Crew members and pilots often follow tight schedules, so if one is delayed, the entire flight could be too.
- Sudden mechanical issues: Delays in maintenance and repairs can lead to flight cancellation or delays.
- Not enough passengers: If the number of passengers flying are too low, the flight gets cancelled automatically.
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Trust Only the Latest Flight Updates on the Airline Page
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Sign up to the airline’s email or text and keep the notifications turned on to get real-time updates on your flight delays & cancellations status for stress-free travel. You can also download the airline app to be the first to get any notifications in case of delays or cancellations. Most airlines provide another seat on the next available flight in case of a sudden cancellation or an alternative flight in case of an extended delay. Being among the first few to receive the information about the cancellation can save you time and money.
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Also read: Flight Hacks for 2025: Maximize Your Budget with March Deals
Ask for Assistance
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Nowadays, contacting customer service through the app has also become an easy way to get all your questions answered and avoid unnecessary stress about flight delays and cancellations. Open the chat box, and you might first have to speak to an AI assistant, who will then direct you to a human agent who will answer all your questions to ease your worries. You could try the customer service agents at the Airport, but be ready to wait in long queues.
You can learn more about your flight status if there is a delay or about the available seats on other airlines. If no one picks up your call and you’re in a hurry, try calling the international numbers of the airline to get to an agent. This tactic might force you to spend a bit more; however, you will get to speak with someone to get an immediate booking. They will help you connect with someone in your country of departure, so be patient and hold on!
Use Flight Tracking Tools
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Worried about flight delays & cancellations? Hop on reliable websites like FlightAware and FlightStats to get an exact idea of what is causing your airline issues on the way. Airline websites might be unable to provide such detailed information on the delay, so these websites are recommended.
However, if you are prone to worrying about airline crashes, it’s better to sit tight waiting for the flight to arrive instead of using tracking tools. These tips for international travel could work against your favour if you see a mechanical issue as the cause of delay and have to worry about reaching your destination safely every time there is turbulence.
Also read: How to Deal with Turbulence: The Do’s and Don’ts for a Smooth Journey.
Last Resort? Book a New Flight
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I have received a refund for the cancelled flight. What next? Well, if you have somewhere to be, book another flight! What if I spent most of my budget on the flight that got cancelled? It’s simple! You can find heavily discounted prices when booking through third-party websites like Akbartravels.com, which help you save up to Rs.20,000 on domestic and international flights using code: ATFLY.
However, it is recommended that you press the airline customer service itself to give you a seat on another flight, as the prices you pay at the last minute might be triple the cost of the one that got cancelled. Getting a refund is not possible if you booked a non-refundable ticket.
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Know of Your Passenger Rights When Experiencing Flight Delay
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If there are sudden flight delays and cancellations, passengers are entitled to benefits while they wait at the Airport. Some airlines provide food vouchers, lounge access, hotel accommodations, and much more. You can only avail of such compensation if you know the details. According to the Flight Delay Compensation India DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), if your flight arrives within 24 hours during a delay, you will get a free meal and refreshments unless the delay is because of extraordinary situations. If there’s a delay of over 24 hours, you can ask for hotel accommodation and transfer facilities as per DGCA rules for flight delay.
Similarly, with cancellations, as per the Flight Delayed Compensation India policy, the airline must provide a refund for your ticket if you refuse to travel by the alternate flight option provided. In case of flight cancellations when you’re at the Airport, the airline is also required to provide the necessary meals and refreshments while you wait for the alternate flight to arrive. You’re also entitled to monetary compensation if flight delayed by 2 hours in India of Rs.7,500 and compensation of Rs.10,000 for over two hours. Don’t forget to check the block time before asking for such compensation.
Ask at the customer service desk for compensation and enjoy additional facilities before you take off! However, you will not be so lucky with budget-friendly airlines since you will not get any benefits, as per the Flight delay compensation IndiGo.
Always Be Polite
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It is easy to take out your frustrations on the Airport staff, especially if you arrive unprepared and are anxious about the flight delays & cancellations. However, speaking to everyone politely will help ease your anxiety and handle flight delays and cancellations like a pro, and also encourage the staff to provide you with a better service.
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Delay? Eat a Snack & Watch Entertaining Shows
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Once you’ve received your due compensation, your next step is to wait. It can be incredibly difficult to sit at the Airport and do nothing, so put on a movie and purchase some snacks to keep you busy till your flight arrives. However, many get so absorbed in watching and munching that they forget about the flight and miss the announcement. One of the best airport tips & tricks to avoid such a predicament is to choose a seating spot that provides a clear view of your departure gate. Don’t forget to pick one near a power outlet as well! Don’t plug both ears; keep one open so that you avoid missing the important announcements.
Also read: Solo Travelling on a Budget with Akbar Travels: Top Spots & Flying Tips.
Flight Cancelled? Book a Hotel
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If you are not a frequent flyer member or flying in the first or business class, the best way to avoid sleeping on hard benches while waiting for your next flight is to book a room! You can find excellent luxury and budget stays by clicking here to book hotels online at best rates. Travellers can get up to 75% off hotel bookings with code ATHOTEL by booking on Akbartravels.com.
Travel, especially for the first time, can be pretty intimidating when your flight is cancelled and you’re stuck in an unknown location. Follow these simple holiday travel tips, and you will find all the motivation you need to continue your trip! Book all-inclusive holiday tour packages and apply for online visa services for 180+ countries to grab the best deals. To show beginners that exploring is easy, share your flight delays and cancellations experience in the comments below and what you did to overcome the anxiety.
FAQs- Flight Delays and Cancellations
How to avoid flight delays and cancellations?
You can avoid airline delays and cancellations by booking early morning flights, as they are less prone to such issues.
How do you deal with flight delays and cancellation?
You should remain calm and contact the airline’s customer service if you receive an intimation of cancellations to get a refund or re-book your flight. In case of a delay, you can use flight tracking tools and spend time doing work and snacking in the Airport. Passengers can also ask for additional benefits if there is an extended delay.
How would you handle a customer with a delayed flight?
When handling a customer who has an issue with flight delays, it is best to be empathetic to the situation and offer a solution. Assist with a refund or rebooking, as per their availability if necessary, or assure that their flight is on the way.
What can we do if a flight is delayed?
Check the status of your flight through the official website in case of a delay. It is best to sit tight and be calm and check if you are entitled to any additional benefits.
How to deal with a late flight?
Your best solution is to sit tight and keep your mind occupied while you wait for the arrival of the flight.
How do you respond to a flight delay?
Being calm is a great response since you have enough time to do other things like work or catch up on some movies while you wait. It is best to also keep an eye on updates from the airline and get in touch with customer service for additional benefits for the delay.
What is the new law for delayed flights?
As per the new laws for delayed flights, passengers waiting for longer than two or four hours are entitled to meals and monetary compensation.
What happens when a flight is delayed or canceled?
When a flight is delayed, you will have to wait at the Airport for a while and avail of additional benefits if it is an extended delay. In case of cancellation, you must contact customer service and grab a refund or rebooking as soon as possible.
What is the procedure if flight is Cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled, you must contact customer service and request a refund or book again, as per your availability.
How do you get compensated for delayed or Cancelled flights?
You can get benefits added to your trip for delayed flights only if it was an extended delay. For cancelled flights, you will either receive a refund or the airline’s customer service will assist you with booking again.
What are some effective approaches for airlines to manage and reduce flight delays and cancellations?
The best way to avoid delays and cancellations is to fly during the non-peak travel season and catch early morning flights.
How to handle flight delays and cancellations IndiGo?
In case of a cancellation, you can ask for a refund, save the money in credit or request to board the next flight. IndiGo does not provide additional benefits in case of a flight delay.
How to handle flight delays and cancellations international?
It is similar to Indian airlines, as you’ll be offered additional benefits, including a meal in case of delays and refunds or booking again in case of a last-minute cancellation.
What if the flight is delayed by 1 hour?
You will not receive any compensation in case of an hour delay.
Also read:
- Smart Flight Packing Tips for Tavel in April: Prepare for Sun or Rain!
- Save Money on Flight Bookings: Fly High for Cheap!
- What To Do If You Miss Your Connecting Flight? Your Step-by-Step Guide
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