What to Do If Your Flight is Cancelled

man, luggage, airport, airplane

You’ve planned to take a vacation months in advance and you book tickets for a great price. In the months leading up to your vacation, you eagerly and carefully put together your itinerary. However, when the big day finally arrives, you experience a sinking feeling in your stomach as you learn your flight has been cancelled. Flight cancellations can happen for a variety of reasons such as weather conditions, security breaches, strikes, etc. When you put so much time and money into planning your trip, this can be frustrating – especially if you don’t have a backup plan. The aviation crew of our air traffic controller school share tips on what to do if your flight is cancelled.

Purchase Travel Insurance

When you’re trying to figure out what to do when your flight is cancelled, keep in mind that there aren’t federal laws obligating airlines to reimburse passengers regardless of the reason why flights are delayed or cancelled. Our aviation crew highly recommends that you purchase travel insurance along with your ticket to soften the blow in the event of a flight cancellation, which happens more frequently now due to the pilot shortage, for example.

Choose This Specific Policy

When researching travel insurance, opt for a comprehensive travel policy that not only covers baggage loss and medical emergencies, but also covers inclement weather conditions, employment layoff, etc. [1] Most travel insurance providers offer 24-hour assistance to travellers who’ve purchased this policy with emergency cash transfers, translations, as well as medical and legal assistance.

File A Claim and Be Patient

Since you had the forethought to invest in travel insurance, the next step is to file a claim with the insurance provider. If you’re forced to re-book tickets with another airline, the insurance can reimburse a percentage (or total cost) of the new ticket. However, depending on your policy, the insurance provider may only reimburse the difference between how much you’ve paid and the flight cancellation refund, also known as a “make-whole” philosophy.

If you did not purchase travel insuance this time, you’ll know what to do when your flight is cancelled next time. For now, however, check the cancellation guidelines and contact the airline.

Research Airline Guidelines in Case of Cancellation

Researching an airline’s guidelines on flight cancellations can save you trouble in the long run. Knowing their refund policy regarding flight delays and cancellations will give you a good idea about what to expect just in case. Make sure you feel safe and secure with the airline you choose to fly with and invest in travel insurance.

 

If you’re still unsure about what to do if your flight is cancelled or have questions about how to become an air traffic controller, feel free to contact a member of our crew at the Sheffield School of Aeronautics.

 

Sources:

[1] Square Mouth – What Is Comprehensive Travel Insurance?

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