What to do if your flight is delayed

Flight delays can be frustrating and stressful for both experienced travelers and first-time vacationers. Whether you’re dealing with a missed connection, enduring a lengthy airport wait or facing the hassle of rebooking, these disruptions can significantly impact your travel plans. Here are some tips on how you can stay a step ahead to avoid the inconvenience of flight disruptions.

Take advantage of our Flight Delay Service

If you’ve purchased a travel insurance plan with Saskatchewan Blue Cross*, your plan includes Flight Delay Service. Included at no extra cost, Flight Delay Service provides you with a range of benefits if your flight is delayed to relieve the stress of travelling to your destination. You’ll receive the following benefits if your flight is delayed:

• 3 hours or more: You’ll have complimentary access to an airport lounge. If no lounge is available, or if it’s overbooked, you’ll receive $40 compensation per person.
• 6 hours or more: You’ll have access to a hotel room and $50 allowance per person. If no hotel room is available, you’ll receive compensation of $250 per travel insurance contract.

All you need to do is register your flight with Flight Delay Service. You’ll need the names of all insured persons, your flight information and eligible insurance contract number. You must register your flight a minimum of 24 hours prior to your departure. Once you’ve registered, our system tracks your flight in real-time. If your flight is delayed, you’ll receive a text message (SMS) or e-mail telling you how to benefit from the service.

Keep an eye on your flight status

Before leaving for the airport, check the status of your flight online or using your airline’s mobile app. The airport you’re departing from will also likely list your flight’s departure time with live updates. This can help you mentally prepare for any delays, or get a head start on dealing with a cancellation. (It’s even easier if you’ve registered for Flight Delay Service!)

Many airlines offer SMS notification service or an email for flight updates during the check in process. Consider signing up and adjust your travel plans to the airport according to your flight’s status. Remember, even if your flight is delayed, it’s important to show up at the airport at an appropriate time to ensure you to are well aware of any issues with your flight.

Understand the different types of delays

According to the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Air Passenger Protection Regulations, an airline has to offer assistance, rebooking, or refunds when a delay is caused by something within its control. If a delay or cancellation is not within an airline’s control, such as weather or medical emergencies, they don’t need to provide you with assistance. When you’re speaking to airline staff, be prepared to talk about the reason for the delay and contact your travel agent and/or insurance provider if the airline won’t help.

Know your rights

Know your rights as a passenger, including your right to compensation under the Canada Transportation Act for flight cancellations, delays, and denied boarding. Knowing this will help you understand when to agree to a new connection, ask for compensation, and/or ask for meal vouchers or overnight accommodations.

Have a backup plan

If your flight is delayed, have a backup plan in place. Flight delays can cause long waits at the airport, so bring snacks, water, and entertainment with you to keep yourself comfortable. Seek out lounges for amenities like food, drinks, showers (in some), and a quiet place for business, rest, or a break. Always have a plan B with regard to accommodations and transportation.

Keep all your documents handy

Keep all documents, such as your flight itinerary, receipts from hotels and restaurants during the delay, and any correspondence with the airline, in case you need to claim compensation. It’s a good idea to have printed copies of all important documents or copies you can access without the internet.

Contact the airline directly

During flight delays and cancellations, you always want to talk to the airline first. The most efficient way to connect with your airline is to chat with an agent once you’ve arrived for your flight. If you’re waiting in a long line, you can try connecting with an agent over the phone or online, if the option is available. Each airline has their own policies with regards to disruptions, but they must comply with your Air Passenger Protection rights.

If you’ve booked your trip with a travel agent, you can also reach out to them to see if they may be able to assist you.

*Please note, Flight Delay Service is included at no extra cost with Annual, Individual, Package Plus, and Canada Package plans. Group benefits members, VIP Travel members and Visitors to Canada plans are not eligible for Flight Delay Service.