What to Do When Your Flight Is Canceled Due to Weather

Looking for quick solutions to your travel concerns? Our resident expert Amy Farley has the facts with Travel + Leisure’s Trip Doctor Challenge.

It’s everyone’s worst nightmare: being trapped in the airport after a storm has canceled your flight plans. Today’s Trip Doctor Challenge video reveals how to handle travel problems when the weather takes a turn.

If you’re stuck at the airport because of a storm, follow these tips:

Firstly, get busy. You have to be your own advocate: Go online, get on the phone, and step in line to get yourself rebooked. You can also try calling the airline’s international reservations desk—or, if you have access, speaking to the agents at an airport lounge.

Help your case by knowing if there are alternate seats available on other planes. For this, use the Seat Availability function on the website FlightStats.com.

You’ll also want to consider alternate airports to get home. You can always pick up a rental car and drive the rest of the way. Travel insurance should cover the cost of the rental.

And finally, get comfortable. You can usually buy a day pass to an airport lounge for about $50. Try Gateguru to locate the best airport bars and restaurants for waiting out a delay. Worst-case scenario? Use the Hotel Tonight app to find a great last-minute deal on a stylish hotel room.

This article originally appeared on Travel + Leisure.

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