A woman sitting on a bench

How to Survive and Not Go Broke When Stranded in an Airport

Summer travel season will soon be upon us. Experts predict 47.5 million passengers will fly on U.S. airlines—up 3% from last year. Throw in overbooked flights, flight cancellations, and staff shortages and  chances of getting stranded in an airport increase immeasurably. If you’ve ever set foot in an airport, you know what a ripoff that place can be if you have to buy basic necessities while you wait for a flight. The delay alone is going to feel like you’re out of luck, but your lack of planning can quickly take you out of money, too.

A woman sitting on a bench

Over the years, having traveled more than 1.5 million miles myself and spending more than a few nights in an airport—I’ve learned that it’s easy and super smart to prepare and anticipate the inevitable. Here are my best tips for surviving an extended stay in an airport.

Part of Your Plan

Assume you will be delayed. Just plan on it. Then if you are not, what a nice bonus. But always prepare with an extended delay in mind.

7 things

Always carry these seven things with you. Every airline allows you at least one free carry-on bag. Make sure it includes:

1. Snacks

Of course, if you are stranded for a long time, you’ll be forced to buy airport food, ka-ching! But statistically, your delay will be short—a few hours—so the healthy snacks you are carrying will be more than sufficient.

2. Empty water bottle

I would rather shove toothpicks under my fingernails than pay $4 or more for a bottle of water in the airport gift shop. Make sure you have an empty water bottle in your carry-on bag, then once through Security, fill it up at a water fountain or bottle filling station which most airports have now,

3. Toothbrush and toothpaste

Sleeping in an airport is bad enough. Waking up with dry, morning mouth is even worse. Brushing your teeth might not fix the plane situation right away, but it will do wonders for your attitude.

4. Extra underwear

It’s an easy thing to tuck into your bag. Trust me on this. Keep a pair with you. Cleaning up after a long night will make your day so much better.

5. Sweatshirt or travel blanket

Airports are notorious for being cold, especially late at night. If you must sleep, you’re going to want something warm and comfy.

6. Charges and extra battery

Of course, you need this with you. Consider an extra fully charged battery, too. The phone charging areas will be crowded and the outlets overloaded if more than a plane or two has been grounded.

7. Something to do

A good book, crossword puzzles, sudoku—anything that will help pass the time, not require an electronic device, and help you escape the situation at hand.

Know Your Rights

Airlines operate under a cadre of rules—many of them having to do with passenger rights. But they’re also granted many leeways when it comes to delays. For example, the federal government doesn’t require airlines to offer any compensation for a delayed flight.

Vouchers

Even though it may not be required by law, many airlines will offer vouchers for food, hotel, and taxi—but you need to ask. It’s considered good customer service, so speak up.

Bumped!

If you are involuntarily bumped because your flight is overbooked—and you arrive more than two hours late, you may be eligible for four times the price of your ticket up to $1,350. Learn more about how to collect on that here. Good idea: Print these guidelines and keep them in your carry-on bag.

Check your Credit Card

The one you used to purchase your ticket. Some offer reimbursement for travel delays, so keep your receipts. There will be stipulations, like food and lodging up to $500 if delayed longer than six hours. Know this stuff before you go. You will feel so much more in control when things go sideways at an airport.

Be Courteous

As you deal with airline and airport personnel, remember they want to get home for the holidays, too. It’s no fun for them when flights get canceled and airports are jam-packed with angry passengers, all of them waiting for the weather to clear. There is nothing that your yelling or getting upset will do to hasten a solution to this situation, so just be patient. And nice.

Get Some Sleep

If you know you can’t get out until tomorrow or many hours from now, find a place you can get some sleep. Sleeping in airports is a website where travelers share their experiences and advice with fellow airport sleepers. You’ll discover some really cool—even fun—stuff about airports and exact places no one else knows about where you can get some sleep. And set an alarm on your phone. Trust me on this. No one is going to hunt you down to wake you up for your new flight.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

More from Everyday Cheapskate

crowded-airplane
A Young Man Holding Tickets On Green Background
A woman sitting on a bench
Woman holds red suitcase in hands
family travel airport
A boy lying on the grass
A group of people sitting in the passenger seat of a car
family in airport waiting to board plane


Please keep your comments positive, encouraging, helpful, brief,
and on-topic in keeping with EC Commenting Guidelines



Caught yourself reading all the way 'til the end? Why not share with a friend.

3 replies
  1. Nicole says:

    I always have an empty water bottle – and find the bottle filling station (usually near the fountains). I find staying hydrated helps traveling so much.

    Reply
  2. Don says:

    I only fly once or twice a year. I tried the empty water bottle thing once. The water from the airport water fountain was HORRIBLE. I haven’t tried it since. What has your experience with airport water been?

    Reply
    • Cathy down on the farm... says:

      It’s not so great but I agree with Mary. Airport water will suffice and beats spending lots of money for a bottle of water, etc. Frankly, I just don’t fly anymore. Used to fly all the time.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *