Air travel can be unpredictable and inconvenient, due to frequent flight delays and cancellations. Factors such as airline strikes, inclement weather and staff shortages can setback your plans.
Sometimes flight cancellations lead to overnight stays at the airport. Overnight delays are extremely frustrating. But proper planning, including leveraging your travel insurance for compensation and other support, is key to making the most of a bad situation.
Read on for our top tips on how to survive an overnight at an airport.
You’ve just got the news that your flight is cancelled or delayed, and you will miss your connecting flight. The first thing you should do is contact your airline for possible solutions, such as booking another flight. You don’t want to wait around at the airport, if there’s other options.
Speed is the key! The fastest way to rebook is to check the airline app for flights. If you’re not having luck with the app, get in line to speak to a gate agent. We recommend that you also call the airline customer service number while waiting in line, to hopefully get the help you need sooner.
You just found there are no other flights leaving that evening, but you’re able to get the first flight to your destination early tomorrow morning. That’s not ideal news. You will be spending the night at the airport.
First, contact your airline for options. You should be aware of Canadian Transportation Agency guidelines on compensation for flight delays and cancellations. If the delay or cancellation is not safety related, and was within the airline’s control, you are entitled to a cash payment of $1,000 CAD for delays of nine hours or more.
You can also ask for a travel voucher if you prefer, but airlines cannot pressure you to accept a voucher instead of a cash payment.
CTA rules won’t help you if the delay is safety related, or otherwise outside of the airline’s control. However, you can still try asking for a refund or voucher.
Not every delay is eligible for compensation, under CTA guidelines. In a world full of unpredictability, many cancellations and delays are unexpected and safety related, which is why it may be valuable to purchase travel insurance.
An Allianz Global Assistance Travel Insurance plan reimburses certain non-refundable expenses — such as the cost of a hotel stay and meals near the airport — due to an overnight delay.
If your airline isn’t offering favorable compensation for your overnight stay, contact your travel insurance provider and review your travel insurance policy.
Travel insurance may reimburse certain non-refundable expenses such as airfare from a missed connecting flight, a hotel stay and reasonable expenses for meals.
Allianz Global Assistance also offers 24/7 customer support on the phone and online, which can help you file a claim, get info on nearby hotels and airport shuttles, and more.
To file Allianz Insurance claims or access benefits for delays or cancellations, visit our “ how to file a claim section”.
If it’s not an option to stay overnight at a hotel, you will have to make do sleeping at the airport. That means finding a safe and comfortable place to settle.
If you have airline points you can spend on an airport lounge, that may be a more comfortable option. Airline lounges often have places you can recline, charge your phone, and generally unwind away from a crammed waiting area. You can purchase passes to airport lounges on the airline website.
In many instances you can also use credit card points to access lounges, and many business class tickets include lounge access. Some airports also offer sleep pods and showers.
If you’re not going to use a lounge, consider asking if there are cots available. Many airports keep a limited supply of cots for passengers with cancelled flights, who choose to not stay at a hotel.
Cots and lounges are good to consider if your rescheduled flight is so early, so you only have a few hours for shut eye and making it to a hotel is impractical.
Protect yourself and your belongings by not sleeping in very secluded areas and use your belongings as a pillow to prevent theft.
Check out sleepinginairports.net for details on how to manage sleeping in airports around the world. The website offers details on lounge amenities, rest zones, cot availability, airport restaurant and security hours, and more.
Better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have, the adage goes. That’s always true in the realm of travel!
You should prepare for possible delays, including overnights at airports, when you pack for your trip. Best case scenario, your flight plans go smoothly, and you don’t need the extras. But it’s a good idea to prepare just in case!
Pack an eye mask, ear plugs, a neck pillow, earbuds and your favorite book, so you can wind down in comfort if you must sleep at the airport. If you prefer to download a book on your phone or other device, be sure to read in night mode. However, a paper book is best.
Blue light from devices can disrupt melatonin production, which can make it difficult to get to sleep. And be sure to stay well-fed and hydrated, as hunger and thirst can disrupt sleep. A small blanket and thick coat is also a good idea, as airports are kept fairly cold.
Consider learning some deep breathing or meditation exercises before your trip, which can help you calm yourself during stressful situations and fall asleep faster. Use the tools you packed to ensure restful sleep and consider booking an airport lounge or sleeping pod for a more relaxing environment.
Stay connected to airport Wi-Fi and update your loved ones on the situation. You want to stay up to date on any weather and news changes that may impact your itinerary.
Get comfy, you’re going to be here a while. Go on the airport’s website and learn the location of food courts, showers, lounges, device charging areas and more.
Take a stretch and shake off any sleepiness! Double check your alternative travel plans with an airline agent to ensure everything is still a go. When you have a moment, check in with your insurer and file your claim for any non-refundable expenses you may have incurred during your delay.
Remember, when you’re stuck at the airport, try to stay calm and positive. Take advantage of the resources around you, prepare by packing some essentials. And keep in mind that travel insurance can provide valuable coverage.
Best of luck on your future travels!
Get a travel insurance quote today to see how we can help you travel with peace of mind.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Allianz Global Assistance is not responsible for the content or accuracy of information on external websites.
