5 unplanned travel events and how to handle

Things don’t always go as planned. Don’t let unplanned travel events ruin your trip. There is always a solution.

Here are 5 unplanned travel events and how to handle; damaged bags, getting sick, flight delay, lost passport and theft.

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Damaged bags

After coming to terms with the situation, go to baggage services immediately to report the damage.

Baggage services will inspect the damage and raise a case. Next steps – send photo evidence of the damage, bag purchase receipts, travel documents like boarding pass and baggage receipt to the airline supporting your claim. Remember, keep your baggage receipt. It’s an important document!

It might seem inconvenient, but it’s important action to take before leaving the airport. If you don’t contact the airline immediately, they can and will reject your claim.

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Getting sick

Being unwell on your trip is no fun. It means less time to enjoy your holiday.

To avoid getting sick, make sure you are taking precautions to keep healthy in your travels, like drinking bottled water, not eating street food and using insect repellent in a mosquito prone area.

Here’s to a healthy trip!

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Flight delay

If you travel regularly, it is highly likely you’ll experience at least one flight delay. Flight delays can be because of aircraft mechanical issues, weather and/or other unforeseen events.

Here are several steps to take if you have a flight delay.

Stay calm and contact your airline

If the flight delay happens before departure, call your airline and/or travel agent. If the flight delay occurs while you are travelling, see airport staff who’ll rebook you on an alternate flight.

The main thing to remember when faced with a flight delay is to remain calm and don’t get upset. This is sometimes easier said than done. Flight delays occur often, and most airlines have a plan to handle these situations.

Ask about accommodation

If the flight is the last one of the day, you’ll receive free accommodation. You may also receive complimentary accommodation if the flight is delayed by several hours on the same day.

A lot of airlines will proactively offer this in the event of a delay. However, if they don’t offer, make sure you ask for it.

Request an insurance letter from your airline

If delayed, ask for a letter from the airline to include with your insurance claim. Most airlines issue these automatically. If they don’t, be sure to ask for one.

Contact your travel insurer

As soon as possible, contact your travel insurance company to advise of the flight delay. This will support your claim for compensation/refund of additional expenses incurred.

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Lost passport

A lost passport can be a frightening event while overseas.

The first thing you need to do is contact your home country consulate. For example, if you are an American citizen, this would be the US Embassy at your destination.

The consulate will help you get a replacement passport. I always take a photocopy of my passport with me and put it in a separate location to my bags, just in case. This one action means a quicker replacement passport and speedy departure.

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Theft

Like losing your passport, being robbed while overseas can be scary. The main thing to remember is to keep yourself safe. Your possessions are not as important as your life. Listen to your intuition.

Report the theft to the police and also contact your home country consulate for assistance.

If you took out travel insurance, contact them as well to raise a claim.

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