DELAYED AGAIN?

For those of you who fly a lot, you have heard the announcement , "We are sorry, you has been delayed." It is especially troublesome when you know you have to transfer to another flight. You just know the flight will not wait for you and this flight just may not make it on time for that connection.

First rule of flying, , before departing for the airport, check the flight to see if there is a delay. You can either call the airline, the airport toll free number or check online. If you see there is a delay you need to determine if you will have time to connect to you next flight. To connect domestically, the minimum time between flights needs to be 45 minutes, for international you should have a minimum of 1-1/2 hours. This will give you time to clear customs and retrieve your bags if necessary.

If you find you will not have this time frame, call the airlines immediately. Explain you situation, especially if your connecting flight is the last of the day. It is the airlines' responsibility to rectify the situation. Please remember, while waiting on thee line or speaking with the customer service rep, they did not cause the problem. So no matter how frustrated you are, don' t take it out on them. You want them to help you. Let then know during the conversation you appreciate their assistance. Since many airlines now have alliances with other, ask if you can be switched to another airline. If not, ask for the first available flight out the next morning.

Okay, so you are already at the airport because when you did check for delays, there weren't any. When you check for your flight, ask the service agent if there are any newly posted delays. If the your answer is yes, ask when your flight will now land at your next point. Will you have enough time to make your connection? If you find you will only 5 or 10 minutes difference between maybe making the flight or not making the flight, ask for a routing change. The same advise should be taken if a delay is announce after you check in. Remember, speak kindly to the customer service representative. If there are many others clamoring around being rude, who do you think will get the last seat on the last flight? You can even be conciliatory by telling the customer service rep that you understand their position in this rough period of time.

I have seen customer service representatives refuse service to passengers who are irate and ill-mannered. Who can blame the employee? No one wants to be treated badly and it is not the representative who created the delay. Just keep in mind, cool heads prevail!

Truly, I hope you never need this advice and all your travels are smooth. If you do hit a bump in the road, stay calm.

Happy Travels!