It’s a place no one wants to be: stuck in the airport when a flight’s been canceled. It seems like flights get canceled out of the blue, leaving you with a straw hat and a luggage full of beach wear—all without anywhere to go. The likelihood of flight cancellations only heightens during peak season, and thousands of would-be passengers feel the heat every year.
But what if we told you that there were a few telltale signs you could keep an eye out for? We’re not talking about those crackly intercom messages, either. There are plenty of ways you can tell that vacation is a no-go, and as much as we hate to be the bearers of bad news, we have all the info you need.
Incoming Flight is Delayed
Delayed flights aren’t the end of the world, and you won’t experience a cancellation after 20 minutes. However, keep an eye on the skies. If that incoming flight is well past schedule, you’re looking at anything from inclement weather to mechanical problems.
Timing also matters. If you’re watching your would-be plane arrive several hours late (usually around three), and it’s the last flight of the night…you might want to brace yourself. It’s always a good idea to pop open apps and take stock of where your plane’s coming from; the weather in one city could easily dictate what happens in yours.
Your Flight Isn’t Listed Anywhere
Speaking of apps, plenty of online resources keep you informed about your flight status. Airports themselves often provide the information so you can arrive on time and know when it’s time to board. But that little clock can turn into your worst nightmare. If you keep checking the screen and don’t see any information pop up, it’s likely that your flight wasn’t in the cards.
Employees Bust Out Secret Lingo
Do you remember being a kid and having those people come to your class for a lice check? Remember how they used secret lingo and abbreviations to keep information to themselves? Well, airport staff has the same deal. It’s not always easy to eavesdrop in a crowded airport, but keep an ear out for any suspicious jargon. If the crew’s also bustling around or watching their screens, you’re likely in for a nasty surprise.
What To Do About a Canceled Flight
The worst part about a canceled flight is how willy-nilly the rules are afterward. Some airports won’t bother to compensate you unless you jump through hoops. Others bump you to another flight, often in a worse seat than your original choice. If you’re lucky, you might get food vouchers, but even those are hard to come by.
In the event of a cancellation, all you can do is familiarize yourself with your airline’s rulebook and check your email for updates. Airlines don’t want to deal with complaints any more than you do, so they usually try their best to accommodate you after disappointing news. However, things move pretty quickly, so one missed email could mean even more time in the airport. Keep your phone out and turn on those notifications!
