Sometimes things don’t go to plan when travelling – luggage can become lost, hotels can mix up bookings and flights can be cancelled.
Fortunately, a travel expert has revealed exactly what holidaymakers should do when their flight is called off, and how to possibly avoid it.
As soon as the airline announces a cancellation, Katy Nastro from flight price tracking site Going advises contacting the company.
She told Real Simple: ‘Getting rebooked on the first flight available comes down to how fast you’re able to get in touch with someone, whether on the phone, through the app, or in person.’
The flight expert urges travellers to stand in the customer service queue to speak to someone in person, whilst trying to resolve the issue with the airline on their app at the same time.
Phoning up is also an option while waiting to speak to someone at the airport.
Katy added: ‘They can see in real time what’s available, and bigger airlines might have interline agreements where they’re able to book you on another carrier.’
If things don’t quite work out and the airline can’t provide a resolution that works for the passenger, Katy says it’s possible to ask for a refund and book with a different company.
As soon as the airline announces a cancellation, Katy Nastro from flight price tracking site Going advises contacting the company (stock)
Sometimes airlines can’t rebook a passenger if there simply isn’t enough spare seats on other flights.
To avoid any issues with cancelled journeys Katy advises booking morning flights as figures suggest they’re less likely to be cancelled.
She explained: ‘Those morning flights might be terrible to wake up for, but you will thank yourself in the end because you got to your destination.’
Earlier this year, Rachel Mumford from KAYAK shared some top tips to minimise the risk of being hit by airport chaos.
Rachel revealed that a late-spring is the best time to book a drama-free escape.
She said: ‘If you’re looking to reach your holiday destination on time, May is an attractive month to fly with only 31 per cent of flights delayed compared to July and September last year (2024) at 44 per cent.’
The travel expert explained how opting for an early flight is also one of the best ways to avoid being hit by delays.
The flight expert urges travellers to stand in the customer service queue to speak to someone in person, whilst trying to resolve the issue with the airline on their app at the same time (stock)
KAYAK’s research found that only 15 per cent of flights leaving at 5am were delayed, compared to 51 per cent of flights leaving between 2 and 8pm.
Rachel said: ‘Flying before 7am is ideal, however, if that doesn’t match your schedule, then try and avoid flying in the afternoon and evening.
‘Plus, for those taking international flights, choosing an earlier flight at 5am if cheaper than late night flights between 9 and 10pm.’
The research also found that British tourists flying from East Midlands Airport are the least likely to experience delays.
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What to do if your flight is cancelled and how to get a refund, according to an expert
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