one wants to hear that a flight is delayed, but it is a common thing to happen when traveling. You might be angered by this,but that won’t help your situation. There is nothing the airline staff can do, so all you can do is stay calm and prepare for a long wait. So, here are some ideas.
Free Entertainment on Your Phone
Depending on the situation, you could wait a few more minutes or a few more hours. Either way, finding something entertaining is a major help in taking your mind off stress. Almost nothing is free these days. However, you can grab mobile and laptop games such as Solitaire or even Angry Birds for the low cost of $0 these days. Small games like these can help pass the time as you wait for your flight. When being entertained, you probably won’t even notice the time pass!
Get Comfy when a Flight is Delayed
Of course, comfort is a major priority, especially if you are tired, older, or have special needs and requirements. International long-haul flights can have a waiting time of up to 4 hours or more. Fortunately, almost every airport has facilities to make you comfortable when you need assistance, so don’t be afraid to ask. For the rest of us, it could be a case of grabbing a cushion and settling in for a long stretch. You’ll be glad you bought that neck pillow now.
Grab a Good Book
Not everyone enjoys being glued to their screens. Mobile games get tedious, Netflix is unreliable, and your phone can even die! Nightmare! But you know that never fails? A good book! Airports are usually home to at least one store selling books or magazines. The printed word has been around for thousands of years, and it holds true today. If you are waiting for a long time, picking up a novel is an ideal way to let the seconds tick by as you escape for a while.
Ask Questions when a Flight is Delayed
You spend good money on a vacation and probably had to look for ways to save money. So it is only natural to want to know what is going on when your flight is delayed, and you have every right to ask. Of course, always keep it calm and civil and consider asking these too:
- Ask how long you can expect to wait and what the cause of the delay is.
- Inquire as to transportation to and from accommodation at your location.
- If you need to make a lot of calls, ask if the airline will reimburse these costs.
- Ask about human-need assistance such as food, drinks, and accommodation.
- You are entitled to compensation for some delays, so ask about this too.
The airline is obliged to look after customers when a flight is delayed. But that doesn’t give you the right to be rude. A polite customer is a pampered customer, so stay courteous when asking!
Stretch Your Legs Around the Airport
Sitting around and doing nothing gets boring quickly! Modern airports are pretty entertaining these days. Some offer tons of things to do, so long as you have the cash! Of course, you can stroll around and stretch your legs. However, using some of the available activities will make the time much quicker. Today, it is common to see things like slot machines, video game arcades, and pool tables at airports. Just be careful about your budget and try not to drink alcohol!
With a Flight Delay, Grab Some Food!
Among the many delights of a modern airport are restaurants! According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 20% of flights are delayed. So, there might just be an excuse to sit down and stuff your face with some great food. You usually have fast food joints like Burger King. But many airports also offer higher-end eateries for some seriously satisfying nosh. Sitting down to a quality meal is an excellent way to pass the hours of a seriously delayed flight.
Stay Calm and Expect to Wait
As mentioned, staying calm is always the best way to deal with a delay. Whatever the airline tells you is probably the truth, and no amount of kicking and screaming will change it. What you need to do is just accept that you are going to have to wait. If you take into account all the fun things of a modern airport, there are many ways to pass this time. Of course, it can be a nightmare alone, but it also offers a fun bonding experience if you are flying with other people.
Think about free mobile games to pass the time when a flight is delayed. You are also entitled to an explanation by the airline, but always stay calm and polite. They may tell you how long you might have to wait, just accept that nothing can be changed and make the most of the time.
