By Jessica Kirby, Editor
We may have waved goodbye to COVID-related travel restrictions, but when Mother Nature says it’s not time yet, all we can do is wait. The 2022 holiday season saw travel delays across the Pacific Northwest and beyond hold planes and people for days on end. Some weathered the storm (literally) while others cashed in and went home for a last-minute staycation. Whether traveling for the holidays or as part of your working schedule, delays happen, and when they do, it is best to be prepared.
When my newly licenced teenager heads out for a drive on a Friday night, I always say the same thing to encourage thoughtful, defensive driving: “Be safe out there. Assume everyone is drunk or running from the police.” When traveling, we can use a similar mantra that might go something like: “Assume every plane will be delayed and prepare accordingly.”
Flight delays and cancellations can mean schedule deviations, additional costs for accommodations or new flights (if you’re in a rush), lost luggage, and general discomfort. Preparing for delays takes a little bit of extra thought, but it can save hours of frustration and angst. Here’s how it’s done.
Only carry a carry-on.
Packing can be tricky with just one bag; however, it is a simple solution to having your belongings lost in the Bermuda Triangle of airport luggage. It offers you other benefits, as well, such as heading straight to security and easier rebooking if a flight is canceled, because some airlines don’t allow passengers who have already checked a bag to fly standby. To lighten the load and make everything fit, think about clothing and shoes that can be worn in different contexts, and wear your bulkier items on the plane to save space in the case. Some airlines charge extra for carry-on: pay the fee. It’s more affordable than buying all new if your luggage is lost.
Install a Bluetooth tracker.
When there is no choice but to check a bag (consider yourself warned) a Bluetooth tracker can be invaluable if your luggage goes missing. They cost around $25 and come with multiple trackers that can be attached to the outside of or within bags, wallets, or just about anything. The location of the tracked item is then visible using an app on your phone, so navigating the Bermuda Triangle becomes a cake walk.
Wear your comfies.
Unless you are traveling directly from the plane to a meeting that requires a specific dress code, consider wearing functional, comfortable clothing that regulates body temperature and can be layered. If you are waiting for hours—this can happen at any airport, flight delays or not—or dread alternating between frigid and stuffy in the airplane cabin, it is helpful for the mind, body, and soul to be comfortable and not feel trapped in your ensemble.
Let snacks save the day.
The only thing more difficult than navigating a flight delay while tracking your luggage and wishing away a stress headache and sore feet is navigating a flight delay while tracking your luggage and wishing away a stress headache and sore feet while you are hungry. Always bring packable snacks and choose high-protien, low sugar options like granola bars, yogurt, cheese and crackers, or those amazing protein boxes from Starbucks. Take it from the Hangry Master, finding your zen begins with calming your stomach.
Invest in a power bank.
You might be the sort of person who loves sitting on the floor in airports or cozying up to complete strangers, all in the name of finding a power source to charge your devices. But for the rest of us sane people, a rechargable power bank is the key to flawless communication and healthy personal space. Power banks run between $20 and $40 and can keep your devices charged for hours. Just make sure the power bank is charged before you leave for the airport!
Buy the insurance.
The pandemic trained us well on the trials and tribulations of not having insurance, and though the restrictions are over, the need to protect your adventure is not. Travel insurance is affordable, easy to get, and covers all the things that can make delays a pain—accommodation, flight changes, food, and incidentals (depending on the package and carrier). Of course, buyer beware and read the fine print to know excatly what is covered and what you need to do to access coverage. I had to buy travel insurage last year, and the online price was so affordable, I thought I did something wrong, so I called in. The price was indeed correct, and talking to a human being to ask all the questions was a big releif. If you aren’t sure what you are buying, call in. It’s worth the time, effort, and peace of mind you won’t be kicking yourself later.
Getting your money back.
Let’s just say the flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline is out of options, and your couch is starting to seem like the Mayan Riviera of chaos relief. If it’s time to bail, be sure to you know your airline’s policy on returns, credits, and non-refundable flights. And if you want to prepare yourself for an involved conversation, pre-school yourself on the Department of Transportation’s rules on travel delays and travel providers’ obligations here: transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds
Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.
This is one of my favorite expressions because if you can truly embrace it, a whole other world of fun awaits. Airports offer all kinds of shopping, dining, and sometimes even recreation opportunities that can help pass the time during a delay. In some places, you can get a massage or have your nails done, have a nap in a sound-proof pod, play the slots, or watch a movie—whatever it takes to divert your attention and have a little fun. If your delay is significant, find out what activities are possible near your hotel or in the community where you are “stuck” and, with the right mind set, “stuck” might become “fortunate” as you take advantage of exploring a new place.
Travel is a part of our jobs, and if attitude can make or break an ordeal, preparation could be the catalyst for an airport adventure. Wishing you safe, timely travels and a tracked carry-on full of gorgeous snacks and comfy clothes, wherever 2023 takes you. ■
