Getting stranded in an airport is a scenario that one too many passengers have experienced while travelling. One bad incident you wouldn’t dream of ever happening is finding yourself on a cancelled flight, which happens to be last flight of the day. If you are catching this flight because of an emergency or because you were trying to catch an early important appointment the following day, you can bet your bottom dollar it will almost be a certainty you’ll pass the night in one of those airport benches and you’ll run the imminent risk of not making it to your appointment.
If you are not in your tiptop shape (have a disability or sick), an elderly, travelling with a child, or you plainly have no more spare cash for a hot drink or meal, you are stuck in the airport with little or no help. With inclement weather and such, there is always that chance that you’ll be stuck in the airport. How do you survive being stranded in the airport between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.?
There are suggestions on How to Survive Being Stranded published in Instructables:
Step 1: Relax… in order to deal with other people and make good choices, being calm and assertive (and nice!) really helps…
Step 2: Take Inventory… do an assessment of what you have with you (in order of importance–what you need right now and so forth)… In this example, it becomes clear that the traveler can only really be comfortable for a short while without making other arrangements. She has no change of clothing with her …
Step 3: Make a Friend in the Biz… Your attitude towards the ticket agent or customer service agent could make all the difference and sometimes, when there’s one seat left open, the nice friendly person is accommodated first.
Step 4: Have a New Plan: Food, Clothing, Shelter and More… Once you’ve determined how long you’re going to be stranded over, arrangements need to be made: the most pressing *(in my experience) are usually clothing and a place to stay.
Accomodations: For short stay, I would recommend finding a quiet place in the airport and taking a nap…
For longer stays or in situations that require a bath/shower and more comfort (traveling with children, for example), ask for the stranded traveler’s coupon…
Bonuses to look for: cost (cheap is good), proximity (you might have to be back at the airport early), shuttle availability (how often do they run? what are the hours?), guest services (cable, a gym, and jacuzzi in room will help you relax). Word to the wise: call before you book…
Avoid: way too close to airport, too pricey (unless it’s peak season or lots of stranded), or somewhere with minimal amenities…
Clothes: it’s tough, but once you’re at the hotel, you could ask for laundry service for what you’re wearing (it’s awkward! you’re nekkid!) or do laundry in the bath tub… Using a hair dryer or iron can speed the drying process on underwear or cotton clothing, but don’t expect your thicker clothes (jeans, etc.) to be dry by the time you’ve got to be out the door…
Step 5: Other Tips. There are other tips that can help you make these delays and cancelled flights more manageable. The most important thing is to have a backup plan and to have in your directory all those contact numbers that can be your lifeline for another arrangement or for some help.
If you are travelling with children, you would want to read “Stranded at the airport: Tips for Surviving a Canceled Flight with Kids” written by Heather Van Deest for New York Parenting – Stories Section. Deest gave the following tips:
- Reschedule your flight as soon as possible. Don’t assume the airline will automatically rebook your ticket…
- If you’re traveling alone with the kids, ask an airline agent about expedited assistance for families with small children. Be polite and assertive. It never hurts to ask!
- Think ahead about your family’s needs… Discuss your needs with the ticketing agent… Some airlines also provide free diapers and baby food … Be sure to save all receipts for any expenses you incur.
With kids in tow you are likely to need overnight accommodation during unholy hours of the night. Ask your agent and airline agent for details if they provide hotel vouchers. Must you pay upfront and seek reimbursement later? What’s the airline’s upper limit for reimbursement? It is good to know policies concerning hotel vouchers.
You have rights as passengers; it is important that you know your rights so you can demand what you deserve to get during unfortunate events like these. Read “Stranded Passengers: Know Your Rights and the Laws” (kindly hyperlink) to be better prepared for situations like these.
