5 tips when your flight is delayed

Delaying your flight at the airport! What now?

In most cases our business travelers' trips go smoothly, but unfortunately it happens to every business traveler from time to time: delay of your flight. In this blog, we would like to give you some tips on how to use the time wisely.

1. Take advantage of the hours by doing some work in advance

Almost every airport in the world offers (free) Wi-Fi these days. All you need is a laptop and log on! It saves several hours of work at home, and time flies by.

2. Make use of airport facilities

Many modern airports have facilities you might not immediately think of. For example, they offer Dubai Airport free shower facilities and there is an opportunity to take a short massage, pedicure or manicure. More and more airports are offering these options.

Or look for an outdoor deck where you can spot airplanes. Especially with nice weather, in the sunshine, this can be a wonderful activity! Several airlines also have lounges at the airports. To compensate for the wait, you can then use the comfortable seats in the lounge and sometimes snacks and drinks are also offered here.

3. Go downtown

Have a long delay? Then consider going into the city. Do check well in advance if this is possible and if you don't need a visa. Also keep in mind that you may have to go through customs again, so it is advisable to be back two hours before departure.

4. Find out what your rights are if your flight is delayed

If you do find yourself delayed by several hours, it might be useful to find out in advance whether you are entitled to compensation. In general, the following rules apply, but they are always subject to change and are assessed on a case-by-case basis:

• You arrive at your final destination with at least a three-hour delay
• You depart from an EU country or travel back to an EU country with an EU-based airline
• You fly with a transfer from the EU to a destination outside the EU

Note: If there is force majeure, these rules do not apply!

Often airlines also offer food and drink vouchers when your flight is delayed; it is always advisable to ask about this. Did you eat and drink on your own anyway? Then always keep the receipt and submit it to the airline afterwards. In most cases they will (partially) reimburse this.

If your flight is delayed until the next morning, an airline will often arrange accommodation. Transportation to and from the airport will then also be provided by them. Do they not do this? Then arrange accommodation and transfer yourself and keep the receipt for this as well. Of course you can always contact your Alliance Travel Consultant. Through our advanced systems we can quickly see which hotels near the airport are still available and make a booking immediately.

5. Move!

Anyone who has ever flown knows it: heavy legs. Especially on long flights, many travelers suffer from this. Try to keep moving as much as possible beforehand. Are you an hour late? Walk an extra lap around the airport and keep moving. This is extra good if you have a long flight ahead of you!

Travel well!

Mariska den Hartogh,
Business Travel Consultant

Update: This blog first appeared on Aug. 11, 2020 and was updated with new information on April 8, 2022.