For many vacationers, there’s a moment of panic that occurs about five minutes after leaving home. This is when all the "what if" scenarios start flooding in. What if I miss my flight? What if the hotel is overbooked? Can I get a refund if the rental car breaks down? To help keep you from hyperventilating and turning around to go home, we rounded up some common travel emergencies -- and shared tips on how to deal with them. We even consulted Christopher Elliott, author of "How to Be the World’s Smartest Traveler," for advice. So while you might not be able to predict what happens while you're on the road, a little pre-planning can avoid pushing you into panic mode (and even save you some time and money).
You’ve packed your bags, crafted the ultimate itinerary, and now you’re sitting in traffic, wondering if you have enough time to make it through security before boarding begins. Sound familiar? If you think you’re going to miss your flight, the first call you should make is to the airline. If you give the airline a heads up, you’ll likely be able to reschedule your flight for a fee and fare adjustment. However, if you don’t call the airline, chances are you’ll lose your fare entirely. Some airlines have an unwritten “flat tire rule,” which allows you to fly standby for a following flight, as long as you show up within two hours of your scheduled departure. This policy varies with each company, so don’t expect it to always apply. You should also plan to speak with the airline if you have a flight with multiple legs. Most likely, you won’t be able to book a last-minute flight to make up for the first leg of the trip and expect the connecting ticket to be valid when you arrive.
Looking up at the departures board and seeing your flight canceled can easily send you into an emotional free fall — and we don’t blame you. Trying to figure out your next move all depends on the reasons for the cancellation. Even though airlines don’t have to provide you with a hotel or food vouchers, many have policies stating that they will (or will try) if the reason for cancellation was within the airline’s control. So when there’s a mechanical failure, the airline will typically pay for your meal vouchers and a hotel, if you need to stay overnight. Transportation to and from the hotel is usually included. “If it’s a weather delay, all bets are off,” says Elliot. “You’re at the mercy of the airline. The airline could help, but probably won’t.”
There are also occasions when the airline claims the reason for a delay is weather, but it’s really a mechanical issue (or the crew didn’t all show up). That happens more often than you think. So how do you uncover the truth? Ask the gate attendant, who may state a different reason than what was initially announced elsewhere. You can also check FlightAware for the reason given by the airline. In this situation, it might be tough to cover those overnight expenses, but it’s still possible, so keep all receipts.
