Let's face it... travel doesn't always go as planned! Adventure if full of what-ifs, both good and, sometimes, inconvenient. Thankfully I, your trusted travel pro, am here to help put you at ease about any travel snafu you might encounter!
Here are some tips when you become overwhelmed and things aren't going quite right!
What to Do If...
I MISS MY FLIGHT?
Head to the nearest airline desk for whatever airline you are flying for immediate assistance. Sometimes you can change your own flight on the airlines app. Contact Strack Travel for rescheduling if the counter agents are not able to help.
MY FLIGHT IS DELAYED OR CANCELLED?
If the delay is not more than 30 minutes and not affecting a connecting flight - no sweat!
If the delay is more than 30 minutes and/or affecting a connecting flight, check the airline app to see if they have a solution for you. At the same time, head straight for the customer service desk to see what they can do to help you. (In the meantime, shoot me a text so I can start looking on my end too. We play a little game of "who gets to the airline first".) I can also inform any transportation companies, who are also monitoring your flight for this information.
If you're not at the airport, IMMEDIATELY call the airline 800 number if the app doesn't have a solution that works for you.
For longer delays, we'll want to move as quickly as possible to find a resolution. Speed matters! The airline will likely automatically rebook you on another flight later in the day or tomorrow, but many times, you can go in before the system fills up all remaining seats on other flights. Visiting the airline app directly will give you the options you need for rebooking.
MY FLIGHT IS CANCELLED AND THERE ARE NO MORE FLIGHTS OUT TONIGHT?
If you do end up needing to spend the night, you must speak to an agent at the airport. If the flight cancellation was weather related, there is little they will offer you for compensation other than a rebooked ticket as soon as possible. If the cancellation was staffing or mechanical, kindly request a voucher for a hotel stay at a nearby hotel, and vouchers for food that will allow you a discounted meal rate. KEEP ALL RECEIPTS to submit to the insurance after your trip is over.
Know your rights - listed here. The airlines are obligated by federal law to provide a full refund for canceled flights or "significant delays" - if the passenger chooses not to travel. This is true even if flights are canceled due to weather or reasons outside the airline's control. So if the alternatives don't work for you, you are entitled to a refund.
YOUR LUGGAGE IS DELAYED OR LOST?
Find the airline baggage desk in the airport (typically in the baggage claim area). Do not leave without making a claim. If you don't see your airline's desk, call them so you can start the claim immediately so they know it happened. This is a crucial step.
Save any receipts for items purchased.
File a claim with your travel insurance upon return (I'll assist if you purchased it through your package).
YOU DISCOVER THE AIRLINE HAS CHANGED YOUR SEATS?
If you've checked your seats online during online check-in and yet they've changed once you arrived at the airport, speak to a gate agent (the person manning the desk at the gate, versus at ticketing). They are usually the most helpful and can do the most in moving others or asking others to move!
I CAN'T FIND MY TRANSFER?
Double-check your travel documents and/or Trip Plans app. Often, there will be information about the transfer company's shirt color or uniform. Look for the signs, and you can always ask official airport workers for help. If you still cannot locate them, you can call the number in your travel documents. Contact Strack Travel if you need further assistance.
I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH THE RESORT OR MY ROOM ISN'T SATISFACTORY?
First, go to the front desk and let them know about the issues you are having. They will generally fix things for you. Kindness goes a long way in your request!
If they can't resolve the issue, kindly ask to speak to a manager (call from your room or go down to the front desk). If they cannot find another room for you, please get me involved. Be specific about the issues and be honest about what you're wanting them to do to remedy the situation - as I will ask you those questions exactly so I can ensure we get the appropriate solution ASAP!
MY TOUR GUIDE/EXCURSION DOESN'T SHOW?
Please call them (you could also have the front desk/concierge call them) via the number on your documents. They may be running late!
If it's truly a no-show, please let me know right away so I can try to re-schedule or at least get you reimbursed.
THEY WON'T ACCEPT THE VOUCHER YOU GAVE US?
It's possible the person collecting simply doesn't recognize the voucher (ground operators partner with multiple travel suppliers, and the vouchers can look different). First make sure they can see the reference/booking number. If they still don't recognize it, please go ahead pay for a new ticket and let me know ASAP so I can find out what went wrong and get you reimbursed.
MY WALLET/PURSE IS STOLEN?
Contact the resort front desk to see if anyone has turned it in. Report the stolen items to the police immediately. Contact your financial institutions to put a hold on your credit cards. Contact your insurance company. Contact Strack Travel to keep us informed.
I LOSE MY PASSPORT?
Double-check your luggage, safe, and anywhere else it might be. Also check with the front desk to make sure it didn't get turned in. If it is truly gone, find and contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Here's a link to the list of U.S. Embassies worldwide. You will need to get a new passport photo before you go to the office to get an emergency replacement to come home.
THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND I NEED TO LEAVE ASAP?
Contact Strack Travel so we can assist you with getting rebooked ASAP. Please note this is only for actual emergencies, and we may not always be able to get you home the same day depending on flight availability. Contact your insurance company as well to let them know what is going on and follow up on any instructions they give you.
I GET SICK OR INJURED?
Contact the front desk. They will either help you at the resort with the small things or get you to a clinic or hospital. Contact your insurance company, and they can give you tips on what to do for your specific situation. You may have to pay up front for all expenses and then get reimbursed. Contact Strack Travel to keep us informed.
MY RETURN TRANSFER IS LATE?
Check your travel documents for contact information. Remember that traffic and other things happen, so if they are only 5-10 minutes late, don't sweat it yet. The front desk can also assist you.
Call the number provided in your travel documents before you reach out to me. The first thing they will ask me is for your number so they can try and find you!
Worst case scenario, you take a cab (or Uber) and keep your receipt so we can work on getting you reimbursement.
The goal is for none of these things to occur, but it's travel and we must rely on other people to do their job! The best thing we can do is try and smile and know it'll work out, or you'll get reimbursed in the end. :)
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My name is Meredith Strack -- Adventure and Family Travel Advisor
Meredith loves the excitement of planning travel adventures! She is married and has three young children, ages 2, 4, and 6. She has traveled coast to coast through the United States, and has slept in 47 different states. She has visited 26 countries on 6 different continents, and can't wait to add more to her list each year. Her bucket list includes seeing each of the 7 New World Wonders, and she is so close to completing the challenge!
Meredith specializes in Caribbean/Mexico, European, and Alaskan/Hawaiian experiences.
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