Travel Tips to Minimize Airline Disasters

If you have ever been stranded in airport due to snowstorms, hurricanes, erupting volcanoes, or just because the airline was incompetent, you know that it can practically ruin a vacation. Airlines are not required to do anything if a disruption is caused by a so called "act of God" such as a snowstorm. Any event that is beyond the airline’s control can be considered a so called "act of God." While inclement weather is nothing new, airlines sometimes use weather as an excuse for a delay that is largely caused by other issues. Whether or not a giant volcanic ash storm is headed your way, smart travelers should know how to avoid major travel calamities.



Before you leave:

1) Read the fine print of your airlines contract and customer service agreements. If you don’t have time to read them, print them out and bring them in your carry-on bag in case there is a problem. The airlines agreements will help you understand flight delays and cancelations and their compensation policy.

2) Expect the unexpected. Check the weather in your departure and destination cities. If the weather looks frightful, check when the next flights are, and plan your exit strategy. Sign up for twitter notifications from airlines like JetBlue, Southwest, and Delta which will alert you ahead of time if there are problems like bad weather, air traffic delays, or mechanical issues.

3) Buy travel insurance. A good rule of thumb is if it’s a trip you can afford to lose, don’t buy insurance. When in doubt, insure. The important thing is to read the policy’s fine print.

4) Avoid problem airports. While not always possible, many airports are ill-prepared for bad weather or peak travel times. Check out Forbes’s list of The World’s Most Delayed Airports.

5) Check in early. The last passengers to check in for an oversold flight are usually the first to be bumped. Check in online, or get to the airport early. Passengers who are involuntarily bumped and rebooked on another flight within two hours after their original domestic flight time are entitled to $400 cash, according to the Department of Transportation regulations, so ask for cash not a voucher.



While it is happening:

1) Move fast. As soon as your flight is cancelled or delayed, call the airline and get in line to speak with a ticket agent.

2) Play the status card. Airlines are usually more willing to accommodate elite passengers. If you are a frequent flyer, first class or business class passenger, use your status as a bargaining point to rebook a flight, get vouchers for hotel rooms, food, and other amenities.

3) Tell a sob story. If you can pull on the agent’s heartstrings, especially during the holidays, you are more likely to get what you want. Remember that inventing a sob story and lying can backfire so before you claim your wife is in labor, think.

4) Keep your cool. Don’t be that guy. The one who loses it and threatens the gate agent. They have seen it all and therefore will be much more likely to help you if you are respectful. Belligerent customers can get themselves into a whole heap of trouble these days.



When all else fails:

1) Report your lost bags immediately. Insist the airline staff writes a report and gives you a copy. Airlines are not required to reimburse you for your bag as long as it is returned to you within a reasonable time period. For a flight within the U.S., an airline can invoke a ceiling of $3,300 if a bag cannot be found.

2) Know your rights. In the US the Federal Aviation Administration has policies to protect customers. The FAA and the Department of Transportation provide helpful information on their websites about air travel concerns.

3) Make the best of it. When all else fails, take a deep breath and use the time to read a book, listen to music, play games on your phone, catch up on work, or watch the news on the airport TV screens. If your layover seems endless, take a short taxi ride and explore your new destination.







These airport travel trips were written by a Latin America travel expert at Latin America For Less available to help you custom design your exciting and adventurous Latin America Vacation.