Tips for Stranded Travelers
January 21st, 2011
The WSJ has some interesting tips for people stranded in airports. On of the most interesting facts in the article is the way that airports are stepping up to help provide convenient services for fliers stranded in their buildings. Some are offering showers, places to sleep, requiring restaurants to stay open if there are people stuck in the airport and even negotiating discounted rates with local hotels. Traditionally you had to rely on the airlines for these types of services. By having the airport step in, travelers will probably see better consistency regardless of what airline you are flying and regardless of class ticket you are holding.
Some tips from the article:
- Try to find out about problems ahead of time through SMS alerts, etc. I was in an airport once where several people waiting in line would get text messages saying that a flight was delayed. Two minutes later the airline would come out and notify everyone. In this case the early warning didn’t help us, but it would have been convenient to get to the front of the line if we had to reschedule.
- Paying the cost for day in the airport club may be well worth it. In some cases the agents in the club are able (or willing) to help do rescheduling that wouldn’t be possible in the main concorse.
- Make sure you take some essentials to the airport in case you have to stay overnight. You probably don’t want to check your battery chargers where you won’t have them with you.
- Ask for vouchers for food and hotels to see what is available.