We’ve all been there before … waiting patiently at your gate, counting down for the gate agent to make the boarding announcement. Suddenly, they make the call that you were dreading, “I’m sorry to tell you that the flight has been delayed,” or worse, “canceled.”
This news can be frustrating and disrupt your travel plans if you’re unprepared. Don’t worry though, there are ways to make the most of your time at the airport. We have several travel tips to turn boring airport waits into positive experiences, and the best part is that you don’t need to bring any work laptops!
We’ve all had it happen—the crew is late, there is a mechanical issue, there is a load balance concern, the plane needs to be de-iced, etc etc. The delay may be an inconvenience though we definitely want someone to fly the plane (please!), who knows what they’re doing (preferably a pilot), and need the plane to be safe enough to take off (yes, double/triple check that flashy thing).
Planning for flight delays
A sound backup plan can make a difference on the trip. This planning can significantly contribute to a better journey in the long run. At the end of the day, you might find yourself looking forward to the next flight delay.
To help prepare for your travel, here are 12 tips that you can follow to plan ahead of time, take action on the ground, and make sure that your trip is nearly uneventful.
Plan ahead
Taking time to prepare for travel can be the make or break difference in your experience.
1. Review flight stats
If you’re on a tight schedule, then you should review the stats behind a particular flight being on time. This will be quick, so no need to fret. Before you book your ticket, get the flight number and go to the airline website. There should be data about the airplane model, flight history, and passenger capacity. If the percentage is above 90% for flight , then you’re good. Checking ahead will give you a probability of the flight leaving on time.
2. Stay Informed
When it comes to travel, staying informed is key. It’s crucial to stay updated on your flight status and potential delays before heading to the airport. Utilize and go directly to airline apps, websites, or other trustworthy sources to track any changes to your itinerary. Check-in 24 hours before the flight time with the source, not only because of the airline updates but in case you are running late, and the check-in counter is crowded at the airport.
Printing out your boarding pass beforehand is beneficial, even if you prefer using the airline’s in-app QR code. The printed ticket is a great backup if your phone battery is low, or the wifi is down. For easy and efficiency, most airlines offer a self-service check-in kiosk in front of the ticketing desk, so you don’t have to wait in line.
You just need to have information ready like your confirmation number, Id, passport, frequent flyer number, record locator or credit card to identify yourself. It’s like going to the grocery store and completing the self check-out. And if you’re truly a planner, then map out a contingency plan if you have to say at a local airport hotel last minute.
3. Bring Essentials
Pack some of these must-haves in your carry-on to prepare for your flight. Note–you are only allowed one personal item and a carry-on to board, so Costo-size items should be left at home (unless they are chocolate covered pretzels-so addictive).
Snacks are essential—avoid dealing with hangry emo during a delay. Entertainment is a must, whether it’s a classic paperback or your reliable tablet loaded with movies. Don’t forget any chargers; it’s hard to be reliable when you can’t turn them on!
Comfy items—having a travel pillow, blanket, or nice shoulder to rest on can help reduce stress and discomfort related to long wait times. Toiletries—hand sanitizer and wet wipes are your numero unos to protect yourself from germs and bacteria in crowded spaces.
And finally, keep your important documents and medications within reach to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. With these essentials in your carry-on bag, you’ll be prepared to tackle any flight delay like a pro. Check out our essentials checklist for more ideas.
4. Pack light
Speaking of carry-ons—skip checking a bag if you can help it. Trust—you can fit a surprising amount into a roller bag – enough to last you a good 10 days with no problem. If you’re staying longer than that, use the laundromats or washing machines around your location. Besides, you might discover something new about the area or meet a friendly local.
And to be honest, one of the surest ways to stress during a delay is to wonder about the location of your checked bag. Or to find out later that it’s having a separate (and maybe fabulous) vacay without you. Is it on the same flight? Did it make it past the last connection? Will my suitcase start the vacation without me?
These are valid concerns when you’re stuck waiting, wishing you had only brought a personal item and carry-on. So, save yourself the hassle and stick to the essentials – it’s important to avoid the dreaded lost luggage situation.
5. Purchase Travel Insurance
Having travel insurance can save you if your flight gets delayed. This isn’t a must-have but it can provide reassurance that you’ll be protected during any incidents or mishaps.
It’s like having a safety net that covers you for stuff like extra hotel stays, meals, or even change fees.
With travel insurance, you can relax knowing that you won’t be left high and dry if your plans go sideways. Plus, some policies work with you if your luggage goes missing. The cost upfront can sometimes be of value to handle the additional expense that might occur later. So yeah, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re concerned about your trip.
6. Track Weather Reports
It might be sunny where you are, but your destination might have a snowstorm brewing. It can be obsessive to check the weather every day, but tracking the weather for your departure and arrival can make a big difference in your trip.
The best time to review the weather report is the day before. Go to sites like weather.com to get the best preflight weather information. Now, if you see a weather reporter battling Mother Nature’s 50mph wind and rain to stand up vertically, this might be your clue to make other arrangements.
Just ensure you’re getting the most accurate and latest information for your locations, including connections. You don’t want to be looking at sources that are misleading and not in real-time. Though you’d be surprised, most, if not all, aircraft are built to withstand the simple elements.
7. Book the Earliest Flight
Usually, the best way to avoid delays is by taking the earliest flight out. Granted, the flight time is usually 5:00 or 6:00 am, and you might find yourself sleepwalking through the airport, though the plane has been cleaned and inspected for issues overnight, is fully stocked with your favorite goodies, and is sitting there waiting for you to take off.
If you’re not a morning person (the struggle is real), grab some caffeine, get there on time to catch the plane, and sleep for the rest of the flight. If you’re the type of person who has trouble sleeping on a plane, we’ve got you covered; follow these tips on how to get some rest at wheels up (or even before the door closes).
One of the many great benefits of getting out earlier is that you can start your vacation sooner rather than later, the airport is less congested with shorter security lines and passengers boarding, and you can see the sunrise above the clouds. And to top it all off, you can enjoy the rest of the day at your destination; just think of it as having breakfast with a view.
8. Fly Standby
It’s hard to predict if your flight will be delayed in advance. If you want to be proactive and get a leg up before anyone else, try to get on an earlier flight as a standby passenger. A standby passenger is a person who waits for an available seat to open up with a non-confirmed ticket. You are able to get on the plane if a seat opens up on a first-come, first-serve basis, basically seat roulette.
Take it from me; this isn’t for the faint at heart or those trying to keep their blood pressure down. You might have to make a 50-yard dash to another gate quickly, pray that another person misses their flight (no hard feelings), and/or wait to see if your name will be called 10 min before the plane takes off. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you get on the flight.
Check the airline policy to see if they charge extra for this service; every airline differs. Simply go to the airline ticketing or gate agent and request to be added to the standby list for an earlier flight than your original flight. If you can get on the flight, you’re in good shape to leave earlier.
If you can’t get on the standby flight, at least you will still have your original confirmed seat. Interestingly, you can do this all day if you have the time. The best tip is to stay flexible and have many options for your route.
9. Pad the Layover
If you sense that there might be a delay due to the weather or the airport you’re connecting in is the size of 175 football fields (an excellent way to get your steps in), then you should consider padding your layovers. When you pad your layover, you’re giving yourself some extra breathing room between flights, reducing your stress level, and allowing time for exploration. It’s like building in a cushion of time to account for any unexpected issues or hiccups.
Suppose you have 9 hours or more and are feeling adventurous. In that case, it’s doable to go outside the airport and explore the city (with a solid agenda and game plan). Instead of scheduling your flights back-to-back like you’re in some kind of race, give yourself some breathing room. That way, if your first flight gets delayed—which, let’s be honest, happens more often than we’d like—you’re not left scrambling to catch your next one.
It’s all about being smart and planning for the unexpected. Trust— you will give yourself a high-five when you’re chillin’ at the airport with a fresh pretzel instead of stressin’ out at the gate.
10. Minimize Connections
One of the worst things is to know that you might miss your connecting flight because of a delay. As frustrating as it may be, try to keep the connections down as much as possible to better prepare. This helps save time by getting to your arrival faster, dramatically reduces stress levels, and streamlines the travel process of getting from point A to point Z.
There is little the airlines can do to prevent the other legs from carrying on without you. This is, of course, if you’re a VIP Beyonce-type member, a large group that fills up like half the plane (like the soccer team and the parents), your best friend is working the gate (very possible), or your first leg has just arrived knowing you’re 5 min away, there is a good chance they will hold the plane for you, though not for long.
You eliminate potential issues by keeping things simple and following direct flights whenever possible. Plus, if one leg of your journey gets delayed, you don’t have to sweat it as much because there’s no connecting flight to worry about missing.
Unless you like these types of adventures—gate sprints, airport hopping, luggage scavenger hunts, or time zone charades. It’s all about simplifying your travel plans and keeping your sanity intact.
And if you’re one of those people who likes to kick back and take their shoes off mid-air, this is the time to do it since you can relax in comfort knowing you don’t have to rush and catch the next leg.
11. Keep Electronics Charged
Charge your electronics and backup charger before leaving for a trip. With all the packing, ensuring you have all your documents in order, and last-minute organizing, it takes a lot of work to remember to charge your devices and portable chargers.
It’s best to have these fully functional to stay informed, communicate with friends and family, contact airline services for assistance, navigate the airport or nearby areas, and relax and entertain with movies, books, and games.
We’ve all done it—scrambled to get a good seat at the charging station (score!), sat on the floor in a remote area to plug in on the terminal, or made friendly with a passenger in hopes of using their charger. This is your lifeline, and desperate times call for desperate measures. So, charge your electronics and backup charger, and then you can be the passenger to save the day for the person bargaining for some charge time.
12. Bring cash
Emergencies, tipping, and miscellaneous expenses come up during the travel cycle. To avoid these situations, have cash in the local currency to prevent exchange services and fees. Remember to stop by the ATM before leaving home to give yourself flexibility and faster transactions. If you find yourself in a bind without cash or a way to pay, creative solutions might be the ticket. Just know that some places might not take a credit card.
Local markets, street food, and transportation services prefer cash because of low wifi or technology. Besides, it’s also good for your overall budget to see the money leave your hands for tracking purposes and take control of your finances. Cash on hand also reduces the temptation to spend while exploring during a delay. You can only overspend if you have the money in your pocket (impulses be gone). Sometimes, the difference between a good, stress-free trip and unexpected scenarios happens when those dollars are easily accessible.
In Conclusion
While delays can be a pain, it’s better to plan ahead, be flexible with the original departure time, and keep an eye out for updates from the airline. Check with the airline directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your delayed flight. It’s also a good idea to prepare essentials like cash, protection documents, and chargers for electronics. With these tips, no matter what happens at the airport, you have a plan to make the disruption easier.
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