10 Things You Should Never Do When Your Flight Is Delayed & 10 Things To Do Instead
Delays Happen—Handle Them Right
Delayed flights bring out the worst in people. You've definitely witnessed someone having a full meltdown at the desk, like that'll somehow fix a mechanical problem instantly. Spoiler: it won't, and it usually makes your situation worse than it already was. So, we're breaking down the worst ways to react in this situation as well as helpful alternatives to handle things in a productive and meaningful way. Let's start with 10 behaviors to completely avoid.
1. Lose Your Temper With Airline Staff
Raising your voice at airline agents never speeds things up. In fact, it usually backfires. Staff members naturally prioritize calm, polite passengers when rebooking flights. Losing your cool puts you at the bottom of their help list and prolongs your delay unnecessarily.
2. Ignore Airline App Notifications
Those push alerts buzzing on your phone? They're important updates you can't afford to miss. Gate changes and rebooking options arrive through notifications first. So, ignoring them means you'll scramble last minute while other passengers board smoothly ahead of you.
3. Post Angry Rants On Social Media
Firing off furious tweets rarely solves anything when you're delayed. Public rants often go unanswered or receive generic responses. Meanwhile, you've wasted precious time typing complaints instead of actually resolving your situation through proper channels that work faster.
4. Forget To Recharge Your Devices
A dead phone battery during a delay creates unnecessary panic. Plus, charging stations fill up quickly and leave you stuck without any access to information. When your device dies, you lose your ability to track updates, contact support, or receive important boarding notifications.
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5. Refuse Offered Rebooking Options
Turning down that initial rebooking offer might seem reasonable, but it's risky. Available seats disappear fast during delays, and the next flight could be completely full. Refusing options leaves you stranded longer while other passengers secure their spots and move forward.
6. Drink Too Much To "Kill Time"
A quick drink while waiting for takeoff sounds harmless until the gate agent spots you swaying. Alcohol dulls focus and slows reflexes, and airline staff may keep you grounded if you seem tipsy. That layover cocktail could turn into an unplanned overnight stay.
7. Neglect To Monitor Weather
Untracked weather changes often trigger delays that escalate without notice. Connecting flights disappear from schedules while travelers still wait at the gate. A lack of awareness further turns manageable setbacks into complete standstills that nobody sees coming.
8. Sleep Too Deeply And Miss Announcements
The comfortable gate chair invites deep sleep, which becomes problematic quickly. Sleeping through boarding calls or gate changes means missing your rescheduled flight entirely. You'll wake up confused, watching your plane push back without you on board, eventually facing even longer waits.
9. Block The Service Counters With Arguments
Crowding service desks with lengthy arguments slows everything down dramatically. When you monopolize staff time, other passengers wait longer, and nothing gets resolved efficiently. Your confrontational approach creates bottlenecks that hurt everyone's rebooking chances significantly.
10. Leave Luggage Unattended While You Wander
Wandering off for coffee while your bags sit alone triggers security alerts. Unattended luggage gets flagged, investigated, or even confiscated by airport security. Beyond the inconvenience, you've created a security incident that wastes everyone's time and escalates unnecessary stress.
After crossing those “don’ts” off your list, it’s time to look at the smart moves that make delays a little less painful.
1. Recheck Travel Insurance Coverage For Delay Benefits
Checking your travel policy before a trip can prevent surprises. Insurance may cover meals or hotel stays if delays happen, and certain credit cards provide automatic protection. Passengers who review their coverage beforehand avoid scrambling at the airport when problems arise unexpectedly.
2. Visit An Airport Lounge
If the delay stretches, head to an airport lounge. They’re designed for comfort, offering snacks and Wi-Fi away from the chaos outside. Some even have showers or quiet zones to freshen up before you board again. It’s the calm every traveler deserves mid-delay.
3. Contact Your Hotel To Update Arrival Time
A quick message to your hotel or driver prevents miscommunication later. Many places are flexible and will hold your reservation or adjust pickup times. This small step ensures smoother check-ins when you finally arrive, which keeps your trip on track from the ground up.
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4. Use Free Airport Wi-Fi
Airport Wi-Fi is a gift during delays. Log in, clear your inbox, or finalize that presentation you’ve been postponing. If you’re in a lounge, the connection is often faster, perfect for video calls or streaming a quick show before takeoff.
5. Browse Duty-Free Shops
A flight delay can turn into unexpected shopping time. Duty-free stores carry perfume and travel accessories tax-free. Some even stock limited-edition items or tasting counters, so exploring them can feel more like a mini shopping spree than wasted time.
6. Meditate In The Yoga Room
Finding a yoga or meditation corner in an airport can feel like discovering a hidden oasis. Gentle stretches and mindful breathing help travelers regain focus. These areas turn stressful layovers into moments of calm and clarity.
7. Explore Airport Art Installations
Instead of pacing the terminal, stroll through airport art exhibits. Major airports display local art or photography that tells stories of the city’s culture. It’s an easy way to stay entertained and learn something about where you are or where you’re headed.
8. Download Entertainment For The Flight
When Wi-Fi signals weaken mid-flight, downloaded content becomes your best friend. Take advantage of the delay to grab a few movies or audiobooks. With everything preloaded, your flight will feel shorter and your mind more entertained.
9. Chat With Fellow Passengers
Airports offer chances to meet new people while waiting for flights. Conversations can reveal little-known lounges or helpful travel tips. Sharing stories and advice with others makes the experience feel more personal and less monotonous.
10. Try A Local Dish At An Airport Restaurant
Turn that delay into a culinary stopover. Many airports feature local dishes, from barbecue to seafood specialties, giving travelers a final bite of the region. Some even host restaurants by celebrity chefs, so a long wait can turn into a delicious discovery.
