A few months ago, you wouldn’t have bet a software glitch would bringing global travel to a standstill. It wasn’t on our 2024 bingo card either…
And yet, that’s exactly what happened recently when a Microsoft outage disrupted airports worldwide, including the UK.
To add insult to injury, the outage coincided with the onset of the six-week school holidays. According to the BBC, the outage affected 8.5 million computers, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights.
As air travel surges in popularity — Heathrow Airport just reported 39.8 million journeys in the first half of 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels — preparing for travel disruptions should be at the top of your holiday/commute to-do list.
Although most services like minicabit allow you to book well in advance and meticulously plan your journey, some eventualities, like an unexpected software update, are beyond anyone’s control.
Fail to prepare… Prepare to fail!
Like our recent article on rail travel, here are the minicabit team’s best tips to anticipate, plan, and prepare for air travel disruptions in the UK.
Stay in the loop
Like anything related to travel, the obvious needs to be started. Stay informed. It’s a solid piece of advice, but you’ll be surprised how many get caught short.
Make sure you’re regularly checking your flight status through the airline’s website or app and sign up for notifications to receive real-time updates on any changes to your flight schedule. If you’re really feeling nerdy, you can track your flight on apps like Flightradar24.
Arriving at the airport well in advance of your flight can also provide extra time to handle unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
Always have a Plan B
Researching alternative flights and routes is a savvy step in preparing for potential disruptions.
In the event of a cancellation, knowing other available options to your destination can speed up the rebooking process. Being at the front of the proverbial queue will help you get the good plan B flight/train/bus/ferry/minicabit ride before the others on your flight have even reached the help desk.
It’s also useful to have the contact details of your airline’s customer service and any travel insurance providers on hand.
Top tip: Save it in your phone notes, so you don’t have to trawl through your email inbox.
Never go without Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections is essential. Don’t scrimp here if you can help it. Good insurance goes a long way!
It ensures financial protection and assistance during unexpected disruptions. Before purchasing a policy, check the coverage details to ensure it includes provisions for various types of travel interruptions.
Go through comparison websites as they will find the best deal and provide extra perks!
Pack Essentials in Your Hand Luggage
Another obvious one, but you’ve got to pack right. Don’t put important items such as medication, chargers, travel documents in your suitcase – once it’s checked in, you won’t see it again until you arrive. Plus, a change of clothes in your carry-on goes a long way if your checked luggage is delayed.
This one is something you’ve probably got covered, but it does make a huge difference in your comfort and convenience if you encounter long delays or overnight stays.
Stay Calm
Flying is an emotional experience for many. It can bring back happy, sad or overwhelming memories. When disaster strikes, however, you’ve got to be calm!
Take advantage of airport amenities such as lounges, restaurants, and shops to make your wait more comfortable. Some travel insurance policies even cover lounge access during delays, so be sure to check your policy benefits.
Know Your Rights
Familiarising yourself with your rights as an air passenger is also important. In the UK, airlines are required to help and provide compensation under certain circumstances.
Understanding these rights can empower you to seek appropriate compensation and support during travel disruptions. For more detailed information, visit Citizens Advice which is a great source if you’re unsure.
How minicabit Can Help
During air travel disruptions, reliable ground transportation is crucial.
minicabit’s service is designed to ensure a smooth journey to and from airports all across the UK. For instance, all prices when picking up from airports include meet & greet and up to 45 minutes’ waiting time as standard. By booking your taxi up to 12 months in advance, you can secure the best prices and plan your trip with confidence.
minicabit also offers free cancellation, providing peace of mind if your travel plans change. If your flight is delayed, you’ll benefit from 15 minutes of free waiting time, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
Flight are tracked in case of delays and with pickup times adjusted, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
For more information and to book your next journey, visit our homepage or download our iOS or Android app.
For additional resources and guidance on handling travel disruptions, you can visit Citizens Advice and stay updated with the latest air traffic news on the BBC.
Travel smart and stay prepared with minicabit. Safe travels!
