✈️ Flight canceled, now what?

Good morning ☀️ from our Booked It On Points: Friday Edition where I give an actionable tip to make your travel dreams a reality.

Here’s what’s we have today—

✈︎ First Class Travel Tip

Pro Travel Tip: Google Maps Offline

Another way to be a prepared traveler is to always have a tool to get you to where you’re going. Being lost in an unfamiliar place with unreliable internet isn’t such a good time. Pro Tip—> Download Google Maps Offline any time you are traveling to a new destination. This will ensure that you can access a map and directions even without the gods of the internet circling above 💫 

Over 50 and looking to continue or ignite the travel-lust in you? This newsletter is a fantastic read, choked full of information and stories that gives unique perspective to those looking for resources to make travel over 50 a reality.

✈︎ The Informed Traveler

Your flight is canceled, now what?

In light of the +7,000 worldwide flights that were cancelled earlier this month as a result of the CrowdStrike I thought I’d give a quick run down on what to do if you find your flight canceled at some point.

First→ Download FlightAware app to get up to date flight information. If there is a delay/cancelation early enough, you can make arrangements from the comforts of home/hotel, rather than the airport.

Second→ For delays that extend overnight, many airlines provide hotel accommodations and transportation free of charge. If not, ask for the “distressed travelers rate” to get a discount. Passengers with “significant delays” are compensated with a full refund (although the DOT doesn’t have an exact definition for what’s considered “significant).”

Third→ Every passenger is entitled to a full refund should they choose not to rebook.

What about if you’re stranded at the airport after a cancellation? Avoid waiting in the hours long lines. Work on exhausting other avenues: contact the airline via social media, calling or chatting in the app. Do your own research to rebook yourself. Essentially, rebook as if it’s a new trip, knowing you’ll get compensated by the canceled airline.

Fourth→ What about the luggage? WIth all the delays and changes, it’s likely your luggage won’t make it with you. Once it’s determined that it wasn’t on the flight, speak with a baggage rep immediately and fill out the necessary paperwork. Always keep reciepts of items you needed to purchase, airlines will compensate for this. As for lost luggage? Airlines can pay upwards of $3,800 for domestic luggage lost.

Good citizen alert: Always remember, it’s not the service attendants who are responsible, so whether on the phone or in person, try to remain kind, they’re just trying to help.

That’s all for today. As always, I appreciate you for being here and have yourself a lovely weekend!

Allie