The Hazards of Travel

Sometimes, not everything goes as we had planned. It is therefore important to know your rights and thus have the right reflexes to deal with them and not panic. Several situations can happen, especially regarding air travel, and I share my tips based on some actual experiences:

• In case of a delayed flight: your flight is displayed as delayed without any specific information. You just have to wait for news from the airline.

Good to know: From 2 hours of delay, the airline must provide you with assistance services (meals, drinks, access to communications, accommodation if necessary). Beyond 3 hours, you may be eligible for compensation depending on your arrival destination. Visit specialized platforms such as AirHelp and Flightright.

• In case of a missed connection: your initial flight was late, and you miss your connection.

  Either you have already been contacted by the airline with the info to follow to get to your final destination, this suits you, and in these cases, the problem is resolved.

  If this does not suit you, you have the option of contacting the customer service desk of the airline at the airport where you are located. It will take time because there is often a queue, but you can always negotiate to leave on another flight.

  Or, if you have not received any information from the airline, go directly to the customer service office to find a solution. In any case, with flights booked under the same booking reference and same airline, do not worry, the airline generally covers certain services (hotel night, transfer, etc.). If it is a separate flight booking with another airline, you will not be covered. You will likely have to buy a new ticket, so make sure to keep all your invoices to complete the claim folder afterwards. Still, go to the customer service desk of that airline to explain the situation to them and see the possible options.

PLEASE NOTE: The delay must not be due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control, such as: adverse weather conditions, security risks, political instability, external strikes (for example, air traffic controllers). For Europe, refer to Regulation EC 261/2004.

• In case of a cancelled flight: your flight is cancelled, regardless of the reason, the airline must find you an alternative and therefore another flight. If there is no alternative, in this case, you can get a refund and/or credit voucher. If you had booked a hotel and consequently cannot get there for the reserved dates, I invite you to contact them to explain the situation. They may be able to offer to shift the dates with or without fees. If you lose the night or the total cost of the stay because your booking is non-refundable, you will have to make a claim with the airline or contact your insurance company to open a file.

Once again, intermediary platforms will allow you to fill out an online file easily and quickly. They are the ones who then open the file with the service provider that failed in its mission.

Tips for peaceful travel:

• When you miss a connection and have to sleep on-site because you are rerouted on a flight the next day, ask the airline to provide you with your checked baggage that was registered from the city of departure. Indeed, in this type of situation, given the amount of luggage circulating behind the scenes in airports, this is my advice to ensure your luggage does not get lost or fly on the wrong plane without you.

• Make sure to book your connections with the same airline as the departure flight. The situation in case of unexpected events will be simpler to manage. If this is not possible, plan enough time between flights to limit the risks.

• Travel insured! Whether with your VISA PREMIER or GOLD MASTERCARD bank card or another travel-specialized insurer like Chapka. You will be very glad to be supported if needed.

There are thousands of complex situations like these. I am at your disposal via Whatsapp during your stay if you encounter difficulties. I will not be physically there to guide you, but I will be able to give you my valuable advice remotely.

This information is given for informational purposes and is subject to change in accordance with the Regulations. I do not hold myself responsible.