Traveling doesn’t always go as planned. A delayed or cancelled flight may initially feel like a major disappointment, but it also presents an unexpected opportunity. This means an opportunity to rethink and improve your itinerary. Instead of getting caught up in frustration, you can use that extra time wisely to make your adventure even better.
From stress to strategy
The initial response to a delayed flight is comprehensible and likely to be stressed or stimulant. But once you’ve done your initial shock, it’s time to switch to strategy mode. First of all: check your rights as a passenger. If your delay is more than 3 hours, you EasyJet Reward Regulation (EC) No. Up to £520 thanks to European and British regulations such as 261/2004 and its British variants.
If your flight has been cancelled, you can request a full refund or accept an alternative flight. You are also entitled to additional compensation if you receive notification 14 days prior to your cancellation. This financial compensation not only provides some comfort, but it can also contribute to new travel plans and upgrades.
The Art of Reconstruction: Make the most of your extra time
Once you’ve handled the actual problem, the next steps are: How do you use unexpected waiting times? This is the moment to check your itinerary. There are several ways to do this.
- Dive deeper into your destination: There may already be some attractions on the list, but what if you discover a hidden gem? Find lesser known cafes, art galleries and nature spots using apps like Google Maps, cultural trips, and local blogs.
- Modify your schedule: Delays can mean that certain activities need to be discarded, but you can also force a decision. Ask yourself: what do I really want to see or do I want to do it? Perhaps your schedule was too packed, so this break will give you the opportunity to find a balance between exploration and relaxation.
- Seeking voluntary experience: Check if there is anything to do in the city where you have your layover or delays. Many airports are located near the city or have connections to the centre. A few extra hours in London, Berlin or Lisbon? Perfect for a walk, tasting local delicacy, or stepping into a small museum.
Financial Status: Know what you can claim
It’s wise to not forget about the financial aspects while you’re planning a new one. Platforms like Flight-delayed.com make it easy to see if you are entitled to compensation. The amount depends on the distance of the flight. Flights under 1,500km can usually provide £220 per passenger, flights between 1,500 and 3,500km can provide £350 per passenger, while flights over 3,500km within the EU can charge £350 for non-EU flights.
If your EasyJet flight has been cancelled and you have not accepted an alternative flight, you can request a full refund. This is especially true if cancellations are announced 14 days before departure. Even if EasyJet cites “an extraordinary situation,” it says, “it’s worth checking your claims and not all rejections are justified.
Delays do not need to delay your trip
Ultimately, travel is not only a way of planning ahead, but also an improvisational art. Flight delays can feel like a hindrance, but with the right mindset, it’s an opportunity to tweak your itinerary, discover new locations, and regain something financially.
So next time you’re unexpectedly left behind, take a deep breath, revise your plans, and make the extra time an unexpected highlight of your trip. And remember: your rights as a passenger are there to support you, use them!
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