Flights all over the country are being delayed and yours was just cancelled. The airport is mobbed. You’ve waited on line for fifteen minutes and now you’re with the gate agent. What do you say?
Don't let winter storm flight delays get you down. Photo credit: Alexandra Talty.
Go In with Your Own Options
The most important thing with winter storm flight delays is to be prepared. While there are a range of people that can assist – the gate agent, a lounge attendant, a customer service representative on the phone – the key is to be composed.
“Be ready to go to your backup plan before everyone else figures out theirs,” says Michael McGillian, Hilton Chicago O'Hare General Manager.
Known for his points hijinks and flying escapades, Gary Leff, the founder of View From The Wing is a big proponent of this tactic. After many flight delays, he knows that being able to present your own options to the agent can help. What might seem crazy to one person - like flying to Florida to avoid bad weather in Chicago - seems perfectly normal to another.
The key, according to Leff, is to be humble and not “do it presumptively.”
Be Nice
Manners go the extra mile here. While everyone else is melting down during winter storm flight delays, it pays to keep your cool.
“When it is not just one flight and it is weather, a lot of travelers are taking it out on the agent. I find it easy to commiserate with them about other travelers, tell them you think they’re doing a good job,” says Leff. “You can get an agent on your side by being nice. A little bit of kindness can stand out.”
Try More Than One Avenue
And, if someone says no, try another person.
“There are all these different places you can go and in many cases, people,” says Leff. In general, he recommends to use an airline lounge agent to assist, if you are part of a rewards program. “The club is better because agents are used to coming up with creative solutions for airlines best customers," continues Leff.
If you don't have elite status: don't fret. The club is just one of many avenues. Try the phone or customer service counter or even the ticketing agent.
After a positive attitude and having multiple routes planned, the key is to try to find the right person to help you. If someone says no, move onto the person. Don't be afraid to stick to your guns.
This is the second in a series of posts on successfully traveling with winter storm delays. Here are the other posts:
3 Tips That Will Save You Money When Your Flight Is Delayed By Winter Storms
Travel Experts Reveal Their Secrets For Skipping Winter Flight Delays
