5 Ways to Handle a Trip Cancellation
You’ve spent months making travel plans, paying for it all, and then something happens that can’t be changed. You’re left wondering what to do next.
Trip cancellation isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be devastating. If you’ve made the right travel decisions and have a plan, you can still have a great time on your vacation.
Be Prepared
A travel website is solely focused on traveling. The site’s focus might be on travel reviews, trip prices, or a mix of the two, like Hotwire. Every year, over 1.5 billion individuals book travel, with 70% doing it online.
One of the most common issues travelers face during travel is trip cancellation. It can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you are prepared.
First, be sure to make a list of any pre-paid transportation tickets and accommodations that you booked. Then, please read the terms and conditions of each company’s cancellation policy to ensure you are fully aware of their rules.
Secondly, save any emails, receipts, or conversations from your travel companies or representatives. It can help speed up the cancellation process and provide evidence in case of a claim.
Finally, consider buying trip delay and cancellation insurance to cover expenses incurred due to delays in your travel schedule. It can include meals, hotel rooms, and transportation to a last-minute hotel or destination.
Many airlines, hotels, and tour providers have rolled out more lenient change and cancellation policies in light of the recent global coronavirus outbreak. However, checking airline and hotel websites or calling customer service for up-to-date information on their rebooking policies is still essential.
Get in Line
Among the best ways to get your paws into the action is to check in at one of the many kiosks around town. You’ll find a plethora of helpful elves to answer the oh-so-many questions you have or at least make you feel more at ease about your next escapade. Fortunately for those with patience, there is little to no wait time. You’ll find the usual suspects from the military, the armed forces, local government, and businesses of all shapes and sizes. We’re sure you’ll find a welcome home among them. You can even have your new-fangled front door delivered by our friendly staff.
Keep Your Head Up
One of the most stressful parts of a trip is when your airline cancels your flight. Thankfully, most airlines have many tools to help you get on your way without sacrificing the quality of life you have earned. A way to do this is to be prepared with an up-to-date itinerary, preferably in writing. In addition to a solid itinerary, you will also want a backup plan in case the unthinkable happens. It includes bringing extra money for a hotel stay and a car rental for commuting to and from your destination. Finally, you will need to ensure that all your belongings are insured. If you need clarification, check with your insurance provider before booking to see if they can cover you.
Call the Airline
If you’ve booked directly with the airline that sold you the ticket, you can cancel your flight within 24 hours without paying the penalty. It applies to domestic and international flights if you book through the airline or an online travel agency (OTA).
Airlines sometimes waive these rules in exceptional circumstances. For example, if a major winter storm approaches or a pandemic disrupts their operations, they may relax the rules for change fees and allow you to reschedule your flight.
You can also call the airline to request a refund. Again, be polite to the representative and explain your situation — they may be more willing to work with you.
Another option is to rebook your flight with the same airline. It can save you a lot of money, but it might be more challenging to get the cancellation fee and change fees waived.
Be sure to include your name, flight dates, and record locator — the alphanumeric code that identifies your reservation — when you submit your inquiry. It will help the airline know you’re a real customer and create a paper trail for you in case you need to appeal.
Stay Positive
You made your travel reservations six months ago, bought the right travel insurance, and packed your suitcase with everything you needed for a fun-filled trip. Of course, seeing your plans fall apart can be a bummer, but there are ways you can handle this stressful situation and still make the most of your trip. One way to do this is by staying positive when talking to customer service agents. It will help you maintain a plausible attitude and get better results from the company you’re working with. Here are some tips to remember when talking to an airline agent: Talk with a natural person and use empathy.
