Flights are seldom cancelled, but it happens. Delayed flights can result in missed connections. To put it simply, poo happens sometimes when you are traveling. Not often, but it does happen.
Tip #1: Don't panic, it won't help things. I have panicked, in the end, the options will still be the same.
Tip#2: Be polite, be nice, be very-very nice to the airline staff. A delayed flight causes them extra work, a cancelled flight makes them wonder why they didn't stick with the job at 7-11. Wait in line, and when it is your turn smile and say, what are my best options. Kindness will get you more than being angry or frustrated with the only people who can help you.
Tip #3: Use the airlines app while you are standing in line, the computer will try to reschedule you, if there are options the app may offer you a choice.
Tip #4: Call the airline's customer service number while you are standing in line.
Tip #5: If you are stuck overnight, it has happened to me a couple of times, politely ask the airline agents for help finding a hotel. Airlines have standing room blocks at local hotels for airline staff to stay in. Hotels will show sold out, when they are holding rooms for potential airline personnel to stay in. Sometimes you will even get the airlines wholesale rate at the hotel. If you can afford to travel, and extra hotel night won't break you. If the overnight delay is the airline's fault (an emergency landing with smoke streaming out of one of the engines) the airline will probably pay for the hotel. If it is weather related, you are going to pay. Be nice about it. Don't be a martyr by insisting your only option is to sleep in the airport.
Tip #6: Don't panic, it will all work out.
Once you have worked out the alternate or delayed travel arrangements, sort out your plans. Call ahead to let people know what the change in plans are. It happens, not often, but it happens.
If you have travel planned and the weather forecast is ugly, call the airline. I was headed to Florida from DC one fall. There was a hurricane moving up the east coast, it was north of Florida, south of DC. I was scheduled to fly the next day, when the weather was going to be terrible. I called the airline and asked if they could change my reservation to fly that evening. I pointed out that by tomorrow they would probably be cancelling the flight. I was put on hold, and when the agent came back I was told, "thank you, what a great idea, I have a seat on the 7 PM flight tonight, you will be in Orlando before 9:15. Flights from DC were cancelled for two days, it took a week to sort out the mess.
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