Change of Plans: Keeping Your Cool When Your Flight Is Canceled

9/18/2018 (Permalink)

Vehicles ready for any storm damage in Oxford, OH

Sometimes when you make travel plans to go on a trip or visit family, Mother Nature has other plans. A delayed or canceled flight is a more common occurrence during storm season. If you plan to travel during seasons where bad weather is possible, here are some storm tips for staying calm and making the best of your altered schedule.

Make a Plan

Preparing for storms starts before you book your flight. There are some factors to take into consideration when planning your trip:

• Weather forecast, not just for your home in Oxford, OH, but also for the path your flight will take
• List of hotels in the area
• Extra cash or credit available for emergency accommodations
• Cancellation policies on your destination accommodations

If you receive notice of a delayed or canceled flight after you've booked, you can still benefit from planning ahead. Pack light so that you don't have to worry about checked luggage as plans shift. Leave for the airport as if the flight is still on schedule to compensate for other last-minute changes or increased traffic.

Stay in Control

Your smartphone is your best friend when flight plans change at the last minute. You can keep the airline's number and an app for easy hotel booking so that you can skip lines, ask for compensation for your inconvenience and arrange alternate flights and stays from wherever you are. It is also a good idea to keep contact information for a local storm restoration company in your phone just in case you get reports of damaging conditions while you are away from home and need to get on their service waitlist.

Late changes in your schedule caused by a canceled flight can be frustrating, but they don't have to completely derail your plans. By planning ahead and taking measures to make sure you stay as in control of your schedule as possible, you can alleviate some of that stress.