4 Legit Ways To Cope With Flight Delays
This article was originally on GET.com at: 4 Legit Ways To Cope With Flight Delays
Nobody, and I mean not a single one of us, wants to experience flight delays and the stress that come as a package even before we get to enjoy our much-needed vacation beyond Singapore's shores in some exotic holiday destinations on the other side of the globe. Unless you are truly saintly or you are living in your bubble, oblivious to this very thing called 'flight delay', your emotions will stir.
Flight delays are surely frustrating, but there are things you can do to fight against flight delays. Before you run up to the innocent airline crew and burst into tears, here are some tips we at GET.com want to share with you.
4 Ways To Cope With Flight Delays
1. Check Your Flight Status Before Heading To The Airport
The internet is an wonderful innovation that we all should be more appreciative of. Before you even make your way to the airport, go online and check your flight status to see if your flight has been delayed, retimed or whether the gate has changed. All these are crucial steps that won't take up too much of your time to begin with.
There are things you can do when your flight is delayed. If you notice delays, give the airline you're flying with a call directly to get more information. They are the best people you can seek help from, so don't blow your top just yet because they are the ones in power to put you on an alternative flight or at least reschedule your flight to one that is your next best option!
2. Check If You Are Eligible For Travel Insurance Compensation
Is travel insurance necessary for Singaporeans? Frankly speaking, a travel insurance policy might seem like a sunk cost when everything is smooth-sailing but insurance exists because of uncertainties; you never know when it might come in handy. If you are gunning for complimentary travel insurance, know that some credit cards provide free travel insurance when you use them to pay for your flights.
Most travel insurance plans offer compensation due to trip delay or trip cancellation but keep in mind that there is typically a minimum delay limit before compensation kicks in. Also, note that some travel insurance policies may not provide coverage in instances where flight delays and cancellations occur because of airlines' operational issues or natural disasters.
3. Explore The Airport
When the flight delay leaves you with plenty of hours to kill, going on a massive shopping spree at duty free stores should not be at the top of your head. Consider the extra time that you have on hand as a bonus for you to finally check out free attractions and facilities at the airport you are at - it will make you feel a little better than sulking, staring into space and whining nonstop.
Stuck in Changi Airport? Here are the six most secret attractions you never knew existed at Changi Airport.
4. Visit Airport Lounges
Instead of feeling horrible (and hungry) on seats that no longer feel comfortable due to the extended period of time your bottom's gracing the seat, why not treat yourself to a visit to the airport lounge? Access and prices vary across lounges that aren't exclusive to Business Class and First Class travellers, but if you have the option of visiting one open to you, I'd say go ahead.
The bottom line is that you get to relax comfortably, wine and dine, and make use of facilities available in the lounges. A lounge pass is well worth your money if you would just factor in the costs of grabbing a drink and microwaveable quick bite at cafes and bistros peppered across the airport.
Since we are on the topic of airport lounges, it wouldn't hurt for you to check if your credit card comes with free VIP airport lounge access.
What do you think? Share your comments with us below!
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