Latest News
HomeColumnsSpecial FeaturesHow to cope with business travel delays and disruption

How to cope with business travel delays and disruption

Egencia’s Phoebe Schultz, senior director, Global Service Delivery, offers tips on how to cope with business travel delays and disruption. Please feel free to share these with your readers, and let me know if you have any questions or would like to set up an interview with Phoebe.

Not leaving on a jet plane: ways to cope with business travel delays. Before you go:

  • Try to minimize disruption. Avoid the most heavily traveled airports if possible. According to Sabre’s flight and airport data, London Heathrow International Airport (LHR), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Sao Paulo Congonhas International Airport (CGH) are some of the most heavily traveled airports by business travelers, and susceptible to delays. Additionally, avoid connections at airports that are susceptible to extreme winter weather.
  • Avoid checking in online ahead of your flight if there is a chance for bad weather. Your Travel Management Company will not need to call the airline to uncheck you before re-booking – one less step toward getting you on another flight. Instead check in via mobile on your way to the airport.
  • Check your flight status before you go to the airport. You will also receive notifications through the app in case of delay.

Stuck at the airport? You should: 

  • Be aware that weather or any other natural events are out of anyone’s control and airlines are exempt from compensating passengers for food, transportation or lodging. With the crazy winter weather on the west and east coasts, this is especially notable this year.
  • Avoid releasing your hotel room or rental car until you are certain of delay or cancellation; and be aware of potential cancellation charges when you book.
  • Know what the airline is offering as far as ticket flexibility for changes, refunds, fees or penalty waivers.

Minimize the time you spend in the queue changing travel plans: 

  • Consider buying an airport lounge pass to gain access to airline representatives that may be able to help you more quickly than main terminal representatives – and you get a more comfortable place to wait out your delay.  Some companies are now offering lounge access as a frequent traveler perk, so you may want to check your policy before your next trip.
  • Book a hotel close to the airport ASAP if your flight is cancelled, as rooms fill quickly. Take advantage of the mobile-only deals offered for last minute bookings.

The bottom-line: be prepared to try to minimize delays as much as possible through preparation, and know your options to minimize potential delays. But, if all else fails, try to keep you

News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

29/03/2024
28/03/2024
27/03/2024
26/03/2024
25/03/2024
22/03/2024