How to pass the time when your flight is delayed?
We’ve all been there: Ash cloud, strike, or just ‘flight delayed’, there are a number of reasons we find ourselves with too much time to spare in an airport.
But what to do? If it’s only a setback of 45mins then there’s little to worry about, but when it’s several hours you need a little imagination to see you through.
Shopping when the flight is delayed
Yes, nowadays it seems that transit through an airport is more like a trip to the shops! Not one to complain, though. I always feel I’m getting a bargain when I buy in airports but are they really cheaper?
Sleep when the flight is delayed
Probably the number one pastime of the long-distance traveler. If you need to dissolve time when the flight delayed, there’s no better way than to sleep through it. But on those chairs? And who decided to make rows of seating with fixed armrests, it’s cruel.
Surf while waiting for your flight
You could get your board out and practice a few moves, quicken your reaction times. More likely you will get online. Most new mobile phones have half-decent web browsers, and if you have a netbook or laptop, better still. The connection may not be free, but with ten hours to fill it could be worth paying for.
Sort out
A favorite of mine. Rummage through your rucksack or travel bag and give it a re-pack; get rid of the banana peel you respectfully put into your top pouch rather than chuck away and shake out the inside – after a week’s camping your gear needs some TLC.
Spruce up
Yes, there’s nothing better than a good wash, and after days of face wipes and camping stoves, it’s time for a proper scrub. Even if your holiday didn’t feature extreme sports and the furthest you got was the beach, a good wash will leave you refreshed.
Ok, now you’re ready to do it all again. A few cycles of our ‘five ways to kill time in an airport’ and you will be settling in, ready for the in-flight entertainment.
Frequently asked questions about flight delays
Why is my flight delayed?
Maintenance issues. Technical problems are unfortunately inevitable.
- Crew issues. The crew is late…
- Cleaning and preparation of aircraft…
- Loading luggage…
- Air traffic control (ATC) restrictions
- Extreme weather conditions…
- Non-extreme weather conditions…
- Airport operations…
How do I check if my flight is delayed?
Go to the website of the airline offering your flight. On the home page, there is a function for “Check flight status”. Click this option, then enter the day, time, and flight number (the flight number is printed on your itinerary which you received after booking the flight).
Can you get money if your flight is delayed?
You have the legal right to obtain compensation if the delay is the responsibility of the airline and either: the replacement flight delays your arrival by 2 hours or more. your flight was canceled less than 14 days before departure.
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