I have travelled around the world and I thought I would share some thoughs based on my experience of what to do when things don’t go according to plan.
I would like to say that my heart goes out to every traveller who is trapped due to no fault of his own. But remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Make the most of every hour you have. Even if you are stuck in an airport you can still have fun and remember those pain full hours as another story to tell when you get home.
Recently I was trapped in Scotland, Edinburgh for a few days due to bad weather. This was not what was planned but one always learns a few new things every time you travel. Please note that these tips and tricks are personal and my view on how to deal with the situation. I want to share this with you as some people just don’t know what to do. I hope that this helps.
TIP#1 - Be prepared for the unexpected.
TIP#2 – Phoning is also an option.
TIP#3 – Don’t get angry.
TIP#4 – Ask the right questions.
TIP#5 – Talk to people.
TIP#6 – Ask the right people
TIP#7 – Be connected.
TIP#8 – Make the right friends.
TIP#9 – One step at a time. Worry about today not on what if scenarios.
(leave a comment/idea at the bottom if you have other tips)
TIP#1 - Be prepared for the unexpected. Most people don't think of taking small laptops with them on holiday, however if things go south, guess what it is really nice to be able to search online for alternatives. That extra kilo actually isn't that bad. For less than 300 euros you can get a small laptop. Use the laptop to charge your phone/camera and store your photos too.
TIP#2 – Phoning is also an option. When that flight is cancelled most people head directly to the service desk of that airline. This is a good practice however if you are in a rush, pick up your phone and make the call to the service desk. Both people have the same information and you potentially jump ahead of the queue.
TIP#3 – Don’t get angry. If you find yourself frustrated, don’t yell or loose your calm. It turns out that the people behind the desk are not to blame, if you are nice to them, they will be inclined to spend that extra time finding you the best solution for you. Take a second and think how you would feel if you had to deal with 300 angry people. You want to really help the few which come up to the desk and say: Hi, how are you doing today? Looks like you have a tough day ahead. I will try to make your life easy… This will get you along way.
TIP#4 – Ask the right questions. When you are frustrated it is always easy to forget to ask the right questions. Whatever the case always remember to ask for the following:
- What are my alternatives?
- Where is the best place to get a cup of coffee/meal? (this is always a good question, it breaks the ice between you and the guy behind the desk)
- If I need to stay in a hotel where is the best place to find a cheap place.
- What kinds of public transport exist to the city centre.
- Does the airline cover anything? *sometimes you get free lodging and transport.
- Ask how to claim expenses back.
- Get the airline service number so you can phone in. Also get the airport front desk information.
TIP#5 – Talk to people. The best way to spend an afternoon in a queue is to talk to the person behind or in front of you. Everyone hates waiting, but it never seems that bad when you listen to how everyone's story. Knowing that the guy behind you is in a worst position than you makes you feel better. Knowing that he is listening to you if you are in a worst situation than him… makes you feel better. Start by saying: where were you going? How long have you been here for…. That is all it takes and you will be surprise on how friendly people are in crisis situations. If you consider your flight is cancelled potentially is a crisis.
TIP#6 – Ask the right people. Sometimes it is hard to know your best option if you are abroad. Take the time to ask the locals. If there is a local near you ask him for advice. Go to the airport information desk, the service desk, the bus ticket man. It is always a good idea to get more than one option.
TIP#7 – Be connected. Most airports/train stations have internet available, if you pay it is still cheaper than phoning on your mobile phone. If you have to leave the premises go to a hotel/hostel with net. Some bars/restaurants have free internet. Use it. If your flight is cancelled to weather, you have to get out of that city as soon as possible, look at flights in cities near by. Trains are not disrupted as easy as flights. Don’t forget to get train information. Every big city also has intercity bus trips. Ask for that. Airlines are always more than willing to get you out of the city with bad weather. It gives them more room and more options. Internet is always good here. I like surfing online for multiple airline companies. Don’t just stay with yours ask for other options. There are always low cost flights available. If you think about it they are going to be cheaper than a hotel room.
TIP#8 – Make the right friends. If your plans are destroyed, and you need to get a taxi, make sure that you get that guys number. Talk to him on the trip, it is always nice to be able to call for a taxi. If he likes you and he cant make it he will make sure that one of his buddies picks you up. Saves you waiting those extra cold hours in the taxi queue or bus station. Ask about pricing of what is reasonable and not (all taxi drivers know bus/train ticket prices off by heart).
TIP#9 – One step at a time. Worry about today not on what if scenarios. It is a common mistake to start thinking about tomorrow, the day after, or what if scenarios. Take a deep breath worry about the next thing and then make your plans. Don’t spend hours worrying about the plan. Take a decision and stick with it. Make the most of it. Step by Step you will get to your destination. The world is not going to end. Phone the people you have to, but don’t panic. Worry about what you will do next. Do not solve all your future problems which may or may not come to pass.
To conclude I would like to tell you my story in Edinburgh. The snow arrived early in the year and my flight was cancelled 3 times. I had to spend 3 extra nights in Edinburgh before I travelled to Glasgow and flew back to Amsterdam.
Most people say what did you do and why are you so happy? Well even though it was a challenge to spend so many hours in airports, waiting, phoning, finding places to stay, drinking cup of coffee after cup of coffee this is what I learnt:
Everyone has a story. I meet the most amazing people…
A professional chef who left the states to come to the Netherlands. He told me his life story and mine pails in comparison. He fell in love with a Dutch lady and is happy as ever. Never expected that his life would turn out like this.
A couple of guys who were E-learning trade show sells men. They wanted to sell the concept of E-learning. Told me several interesting approaches. Their family who too was across the world in the States, Scotland, and Singapore. They had travelled around the world and had the most amazing stories to tell. Of course they had heard of MATLAB but Wolfram was the first company which came to their mind:(
The taxi driver who told me his life story and how he started his own business. How he travelled to Jamaica and Australia and these trips changed his life. How he prepared for his job interviews and how he got to where is is today. How much he liked Australia and tips and tricks for me to do/go when I am over there.
The ladies at the hotel/hostel who all had an amazing smile and story, coming from Romania, Hungary, Scotland, Mumbai and Russia. The guys in the coffee shops who told me how they go started. The lady behind the souvenir shop you had just got back from a trip to Kosovo and her impressions as she works on her final thesis about morals over the years.
I most likely will never see these people again but they truly made my trip worth while. Thank you. This are the things that I wish to remember and not being trapped in Edinburgh for an extra 3 nights with nothing to but wait for the weather to lift!
1 comment:
Another tip: if you are a member of an airline club with in-aiport members-only lounge access - The employees in the lounge can rebook your flight, usually with little/no wait. Last time I was in an international airport and many flights were cancelled due to an ice storm, there were lines of 100's of people. I went into the airline lounge, and walked right up to the counter to evaluate my options for re-booking my flight.
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