Thousands of tourists departing Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport were left disappointed when they learned that many flights were cancelled and rescheduled due to the airport’s closure.
On Monday, several airlines could not depart or enter Ngurah Rai International Airport as Bali’s famed Mount Agung’s continued to spew ash clouds and cinder up into the air. Ash clouds are a proven safety hazard for aircrafts due to their abrasive nature and their ability to damage the aircraft’s engine and electrical panels.
For safety reasons, Ngurah Rai had to be shut down for three whole days, leaving tourists unable to return to their home countries.
Earlier today, the airport was given the all clear to reopen but there is still a back log of tourists looking to disembark from the country.
What should you do when an unfortunate incident like that happens to you? Here are some tips from travel booking platform Skyscanner.
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Generally, evening flights are more prone to delays than those departing in the early morning. And though you may hate waking up too early, be sure to get to the airport with lots of time to spare, in case anything does go wrong. When that happens, you’ll have lots of time to react and figure out your next step. At the very least, you’ll be the first one in the queue at Customer Service.
If bad weather has pushed back your departure time a few hours or more, and you’re going to be stuck there for a while, it’s very important that you know your rights. In certain situations, airlines are required to provide for customers in scenarios like this. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to get what’s coming to you and make the best of a bad situation. Some potential perks include food vouchers, complimentary hotel stays, or alternative transportation. Don’t forget to read the fine print!
We’re not talking about actually moving physically, we’re talking about the ability to think on your feet, pivot, and adapt. Be sure to put a phone, a charger, and whatever else you may need to make alternative plans or reservations – all in your carry-on bags!
Don’t ever skimp on travel insurance! There is a lot that can go wrong on a vacation, like illnesses or lost luggage, and travel insurance helps you avoid the worst effects of these hiccups. While some chafe at having to pay more, the extra expense will pay for itself when things go belly up. One of the most common holidaymaker mistakes is skimping on insurance when you should have splurged a little.
If you are struggling to file a claim by yourself, you can get help from new startups like Get Airhelp which can make claims with airlines on your behalf, says SkyScanner’s Janet Newenham. Alternatively, you can find a template letter here to help with filing your claim.