What do you do when a blizzard or other extreme weather leaves you stranded at the airport? Here are some suggestions to make the time a little more bearable.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Sure there are freak weather patterns, but generally you can find out the weather forcast for your departure airport up to 10 days in advance at weather.com. If there is a blizzard or other extreme weather predicted, call your airline and see if you can change flights without penalty to avoid the weather problem. This may not always work, but it is worth a try.
- Bring an inflatable pillow and thin blanket. If it looks like the weather might be iffy and you can't change plans, pack bedding that doesn't take up a lot of room. You can find them in the camping sections of most stores like WalMart and Target, or even in the bedding or bath aisles. They take up very little room but can make you much more comfortable if you need to nap in the airport.
- Share a hotel room. All flights canceled? Don't get stuck sleeping on the airport floor - share the cost of a hotel room with friends or other traveling companions. Airport hotels are expensive, but split 3-5 ways, much more affordable. And don't forget to apply any discounts like AAA, if applicable.
- Check with local hostels. All you need is a clean bed and bathroom to use, right? So check if there is a hostel nearby to stay at. Then either cab it over with your traveling companions or other like-minded stranded travelers, or ask if someone at the hostel can come get you for an additional fee. Keep in mind some hostels won't accept travelers from the country the hostel resides in. Why? I don't know, but it's worth checking on so you don't get there to find you can't stay there. Looking online? HostelWorld.com is a great resource of hostels.
- Try Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing.com and similar sites are a network of people who offer a free place to crash. Generally most people require 3-14 days advance notice, but it doesn't hurt to ask if they might bend the rules to help out someone stranded by a storm or other weather.
- Pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on. If you get stranded, you'll appreciate having it the next day.
- Be calm and courteous. I know delays and cancellations can be aggravating, but it’s not the fault of the airline ticket agent. And venting your anger and frustration on these people will only make them less likely to help you.
Do you have any tips or comments? Please share them with us.
The copyright of the article Stranded At the Airport in Budget Transportation is owned by Michelle Snow. Permission to republish Stranded At the Airport in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
