Recently I experienced a flight cancellation. The cancellation was announced after a long delay and various updates. It was due to weather. So no yelling at the airline or getting unduly upset. Weather is not the airline’s responsibility. It changes minute to minute so delays can linger before a formal cancellation. 

How senior women deal with airline cancellations #thewomenstravelgroup
Source: DOT https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com

I returned home by taxi and flew out on the same flight next day.  Here is what I learned. 

  1. If a flight is delayed, stay around the gate in case it departs without much notice. If your luggage is checked and is on the plane, you are in better shape not to be left behind.
  2. By FAA rules, unaccompanied luggage is not supposed to be fly without its owner. (If a connecting flight the rule is different). Positive Passenger-Bag Matching (or PPBM)  is a rule implemented to avoid a plane’s taking off with unaccompanied luggage. The rule is enforced more in the US than overseas and can sometimes be inadvertently broken. 
  3. Take a photo of the delay sign at the gate, and keep a photo of the email/texts you receive from your airline. Screen shoot the text messages.
  4. Now here is the secret part. Let’s say the flight is cancelled as mine eventually was. Again keep a photo of the cancellation sign and any emails or wherever you receive updates.  
  5. Walk to the line in the airport where you rebook. In front of you will be the 300 other passengers. CALL the airline from the line. If it is only your area that is effected, the airline might answer fairly promptly. Anyway you have to stand on the line so use your time well. The phone agent can change your flight on the phone. Make sure you get the new flight as a text or email.
  6. Keep your first boarding pass and your second, even if there was no charge.
  7. Keep receipts for taxi, subway, hotel, meals etc. 
  8. Make a folder to hold your paperwork.
  9. Now file your claim. When you file the claim, take a screenshot of your information before it disappears into the insurer’s links.

Travel Tips from The Women’s Travel Group. You can see our award winning tours here. And be assured we help with insurance claims. Here are your legal rights if it is the airlines’ fault. Happy Flying, Phyllis Stoller #thewomenstravelgroup

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