This blog post was updated on December 28, 2023.

All across Europe and parts of North America, snow is grounding planes and travelers in the process. It would seem someone is trying to tell us something, angering the travel gods with every tiny snowflake that falls to the ground and prevents planes from taking off. Passengers can’t get home in time for the holidays. Patience is wearing thin.

Mother Nature is one powerful woman. She can halt all transportation in a mere instant and without warning. But there are ways of dealing with the bad weather rather than just sitting in an airport stewing. Here are a few tips to keep sane when the weather is doing everything in its power to keep you far from sanity and your destination.

Think Positively

While a delay due to weather often conjures up feelings of “get me out of here”, try to keep positive. If your plane or train doesn’t go out today, don’t act like the sky is falling. You’ll get home eventually. You may miss a family holiday gathering or two, but sometimes that can be a good thing. Complicating a delay due to poor weather with stress and anxiety will not get the plane to take off any faster.

Stay a Few Extra Days

Sure, you want to get home for Christmas, so sightseeing some more may be the last thing on your list. However, spending a bit more time where you’re temporarily stuck can be a more enriching and productive way of spending a delay. Catching that exhibit you didn’t have time to see on your planned trip or merely enjoying a few extra days in a city can make a delay less painful.

Go Shopping

Even when the weather is disagreeable, stores always seem to be open and ready for your business. If you can do your Christmas shopping while delayed, you’re essentially killing two birds with one stone. If you forget to pick up that rare handicraft from Copenhagen because you ran out of time, now you have plenty of it. If you’re delayed, you have no excuse not to do a little window shopping or actual buying before heading home.

Video Chat With Friends and Family

Many stranded travelers are complaining about missing their loved ones back home. The costs of calling internationally or even locally can sometimes be a turn-off for delayed travelers. Find a computer or take advantage of the free Wi-Fi at a café and video chat with friends and family back home. By seeing those familiar faces at little to no cost, your mind can be put more at ease.

Connect with Fellow Travelers

Strike up a conversation with other stranded travelers. You might make new friends, share travel stories, and even find people to explore the area with during the delay. Connect with fellow travelers during delays by exploring shared experiences. Strike up conversations in popular spots like parks or cafes. Swap travel stories over a cup of coffee or join group activities like walking tours or pub quizzes.

Practice Your Photography Skills

If you’re stranded in a city, capture iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the historic architecture of Rome. Utilize the rainy or snowy atmosphere to add a moody and atmospheric vibe to your shots. Venture into local parks to snap candid moments of people embracing the weather, perhaps sharing an umbrella or building a snowman. Capture the vibrant street life in bustling markets, like London’s Borough Market or Barcelona’s La Boqueria.

Turn your lens towards local cafes, documenting the cozy scenes of people enjoying hot beverages. Embrace the weather, and find reflections in puddles, or capture the play of light on wet streets. Transform an unexpected delay into an opportunity to create a visual story of your unplanned adventure.

Attend Local Events or Performances

Check for any local events, concerts, or performances happening in the area. Attending a cultural event can turn your delay into a memorable experience, providing insights into the local arts and entertainment scene. Enhance your travel experience by attending local events or performances during delays. Check for concerts, shows, or cultural events happening nearby.

Head to a local venue or park hosting live music, street performances, or community gatherings. Immerse yourself in the local scene, discovering the city’s entertainment options. Engaging in such events not only adds a vibrant touch to your unexpected stop but also allows you to connect with the community. Explore the cultural calendar, get a taste of the local arts, and make the most of your time while waiting for the weather to clear so you can fly back home.

FAQs:

Q: What should I do if my flight is canceled due to bad weather, and I need to rebook?

A: Contact your airline’s customer service immediately for assistance with rebooking. Check for alternative flights or consider other transportation options to reach your destination.

Q: Are there any apps or websites that provide real-time updates on flight delays?

A: Yes, apps like FlightAware and websites like FlightRadar24 offer real-time flight tracking and updates on delays. Stay informed about your flight status using these tools.

Q: How can I claim compensation for a delayed or canceled flight due to weather?

A: Check your airline’s compensation policy, and if eligible, file a claim directly with them. You may be entitled to compensation, vouchers, or a rebooking.

Q: Is there a recommended timeframe to wait before seeking alternative transportation during a delay?

A: After a significant delay, wait for official announcements from the airline and check for updates. If there’s uncertainty, after a few hours, explore alternative transportation options and coordinate with the airline accordingly.

Q: How can I stay updated on local events and activities during a weather-related delay?

A: Utilize local tourism websites, event platforms, or social media groups to stay informed about events happening in the area during your delay. Explore nearby attractions or activities to make the most of your unplanned stop.

Q: What should I do if I have connecting flights and the delay affects my entire itinerary?

A: Contact your airline immediately to discuss the situation. Airlines often have procedures in place for passengers with connecting flights affected by delays. Work with the airline to find alternative solutions for your entire itinerary.

What do you do when your flight gets delayed? Tell us in the comments below!