Two words  strike terror in the hearts and minds of travelers since July  19, 2024- ‘Crowd Strike.’  Through no fault of their own, over half million travelers were stranded for days with few to no alternatives.  Worldwide computer update meltdowns are uncommon but standstill traffic, weather fiascos or  dysfunctional alarm clocks trip up travelers on a routine basis.

Of paramount importance when connections are missed…don’t panic and don’t be rude!

So breathe, take a seat, grab your smart phone, evaluate your options and follow these tips .

• Missed Flight Connections:  If your airline caused the delay, confidently and politely, approach their customer service desk. They’ll usually re-book you on the next available flight and might even pamper you with meal vouchers or a hotel room. Additional compensation may be available if your delay exceeds certain periods, depending on the carrier. Read the small print on your ticket and their websites.  FlightAware, AirHelp and lawyer/travel blogger Erika Kullberg can assist in navigating the compensation jungle.

• Airline Apps: Download your airline’s app before leaving home.  You will get connecting gate and delay updates.  You will be able to easily contact customer service. Having this information at your fingertips can save time and reduce stress, especially in busy airports.

• Snow Ball Effect: Miss one leg of a journey, and it can adversely affect all subsequent lodging, transportation and tour arrangements.  Contact these groups and update them on the delay.  By storing all trip details in a cloud based app like Tripit, the process will be a snap.

• Missed Trains or Buses: Missed your train or bus? These tickets are often flexible. Head to the service desk and explain your predicament. Most staff are sympathetic and will book you on the next departure. Apps like Trainline and Rome2Rio can quickly show alternative routes and schedules. Knowing your options can help you make quick decisions and get back on track without wasting time.

• Trip Insurance:  Booking flights, hotels, rental cars and tours with a credit card will sometimes afford you the added plus of cancellation insurance.  Check your credit card’s features.  Purchasing trip insurance from companies such as Allianz, General Global and Faye won’t get you to where you want to go but they can relieve some of the angst associated with lost luggage,  cancelled connections and health issues.

• Misery Loves Company:  If you are stuck at an airport, train or bus station with other stranded travelers, you may not find a life long friend, but you may encounter a fascinating person with whom you can pass the the time.  Look around.  Strike up a conversation.  Dig out that deck of cards for a rousing game of Hearts.

• Well Stocked Travel Bag:  Having a few creature comforts with you when you are stranded can make the delay more tolerable.  Always pack another pair of underwear, a toothbrush and paste, a reusable water bottle, battery pack and cables, snacks, lip balm, hand lotion and headache medication.  The built-in TSA compliant multi-purpose padded electronics sleeve of the ‘ULTI’ Travel Bag by CONMIGO makes a great pillow for your head.  When sat upon, it serves as an anti-theft device protecting your bag from thieves.

Delays and mishaps will happen.  With a bit of pre-planning, downloaded apps and some luck, you will be back on your way with a new story to tell the folks back home.