In this article, Altovise shares fives ways that you can be better prepared for winter traveling.
Winter rolled into town with bitterly cold temperatures and storms that have delayed traveling for many. While scrolling through Tik Tok, I saw videos of people stranded at airports. People can be seen waiting in long lines to book new flights and frustrated by the disruption in their travel plans. The comments from the viewers were not comforting and supportive of the stranded travelers. Instead, they bashed the travels and belittled them.
One viewer even questioned the intelligence level of someone traveling during this time of year. Woah! If you didn’t recognize the underlining theme in that comment, I’ll shine a light on it.
It’s FEAR!
We can not predict delays or cancelled flights. We can prepare for winter but it shouldn’t be the reason we fear traveling. Especially now, with so many mourning their way through the end of 2022. So, how can we not just survive the winter months and actually enjoy each day? Below are a few tips.
1. Do the research
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit
3. Communicate with family and friends
4. Stay calm
5. Know your rights as a traveler
These five tips, although not perfect, can save you the frustration that many are dealing with after a delayed or cancelled flight.
Doing the research includes checking the weather for where you are traveling to. It can also include checking the airlines to see if they have recently been canceling flights because of weather, employee shortages, or for another reason. Has the airlines made layoffs recently?
Your emergency kit can include some extra cash in case you need to purchase a new flight while waiting for your reimbursement. It can include a blanket to keep you warm in case you have a passenger next to you who has the air on during the flight. Your emergency kit have include an index card with the phone numbers of people you can call in case of an emergency. (This will come in handy if you ever lose your phone or you are in an area with no signal)
Most airlines allow you to be able to share your itinerary with other people via text or email. Someone should always know your hotel room number and hotel name. Yes, you can even share your Uber and Lyft ride details with someone while you are in the car. It may seem a little over the top to some but in an emergency, this information is valuable!!
Stay CALM!! Understand that delays are frustrating for everyone involved. EVERYONE!!! The pilots, the flight attendants, the people at the counter, and the other passengers. Take a deep breath and give grace in these moments. If that means you need to go for a short walk…do it! Yelling, fighting, and cursing only exasperates the problem. You end up adding to the delay.
Sidebar: I’ve been known to thank people at the counter and to encourage them. Most times they are handling things the best way that they can at the moment. ❤️
Lastly, know your rights. There are vouchers and refunds available to you. Doing the research before your flight gives you an edge in an emergency situation. VIP benefits, upgrades and even bonuses can come in handy when things have gotten a little hectic at the airport.
Someone that helping people when it comes to all things legal is @erikankullberg on IG. Below is a post she did about the recent cancellations and delays.
With over ten years of writing, Altovise uses her platforms to create opportunities for women to have their voices heard. Founder of the World Voice League, she educates and empowers through courses, a weekly accountability call, blogging, books, and the #SpeakEasy Podcast.
#OurVoiceMatters 