Travel Agent Tips for Airline Delays & Cancellations

Delayed or canceled flights are a major source of frustration for travelers.? Savy travelers know how to minimize the impact of flight disruptions. An experienced travel agent is an invaluable resource. Here are some tips to help minimize the impact of flight disruptions.

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Contract of Carriage

Understand your rights as a traveler. The contract of carriage refers to the contract of passage that exists between the carrier and traveler.? A portion of the contract of carriage will outline a traveler’s rights in case of disruption.? Most airlines publish a summary of policies and processes for disrupted flights on their web site. Familiarize yourself with airline rebooking policies in case of a disruption

Check in Early

Check in Early, to stay abreast of the most current flgiht information, most carrier allow check in up to 24 hours before departure. Notification of flight disrutpions are often posted during the online check in process along with alternate flight options.

Check Flight Status the Day of Departure

Flight status could be checked on the carriers website, frequent flyers could opt in for notification of disruptions, and many travel agencies send notice to travelers in case of disruptions along with rebooking options,

Rebook an alternate flight

?Disruption confirmed? ???Access your flight reservations on the carries website with your reservation code and last name, check if alternate flights are being offered. ?If a suitable flight is found, ?confirm the change.? If not contact the carrier or your ?travel agent for help.?

IMPORTANT -DO NOT ACCEPT PROPOSED FLIGHT UNLESS CERTAIN!.

Most Carriers allow 1 free change, ?subsequent changes ?are governed by the fare rules and may result in penalties/ fare difference?

Airline Alliances

?Learn what carriers are part of an Airlines alliance program. ?Carriers may rebook you on an affiliate if requested. Three major airline alliances shown below:?

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Star Alliance – (United Airlines) - Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Asiana, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss Airlines, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines?

Sky Team( Delta) Aeroflot, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, AirEuropa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, MEA, Saudia, Tarom, Vietnam Airlines, XiamenA

One World(American) - Alaska Airlines, ?American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar, ??? Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines??????????

Request a refund

If no suitable flight is found you may be eligible for a refund for major disruptions, domestic – 2 hours, international? - 4 hours.? Contact your travel agent or work with carrier direct to process.

Consider Purchasing a New Ticket

Checking other carriers for available flights my be an option if you are willing to purchase a new ticket, Keep In mind the unused portion of your existing ticket may be eligible for a refund.

Storm? or Weather disruptions

Watch the weather closely, be mindful of how connecting cities may be impacted by seasonal weather, If you are disrupted by a major weather event, make changes as soon as possible, Alternate flight inventory will sell out quickly.? If you cant get a flight out right away, don’t panic, Inventory will open up when the weather clears.

Use a Travel Agent

Even the savviest traveler may face challenges during airline disruptions.? A travel agent has access to a plethora of travel options and could significantly help with disruptions or delays.