Like Memorial Day weekend has delivered some of the busiest travel days across US airports since before the pandemic, it is clear that travelers and airlines are about to face Busy summer of travel.
Simultaneously, The airport is still short of staffresulting in longer security queues and even some challenges in receiving the food you want in the station or waiting room.
In addition to crowds, you may also experience flight delays and cancellations, including those due to weather, other operational issues, and changes in travel plans.
When that happens, you may be inclined to immediately pick up the phone and call your airline. However, there Other steps you can take that can yield a faster and more useful result.
Before you pick up the phone to call your airline, read this.
Urgent matters are handled first
Due to the limited capacity of the customer service department, airlines ask customers to prioritize those with urgent needs; This is especially the case at a time when many flights are canceled on a large scale due to weather or technology failures — as we saw in December 2022 with Southwest Operations Crisis.
If you don’t plan to travel in the next few days, try to be patient.
In addition to waiting to call your airline and freeing up capacity for more urgent needs, you’re actually increasing your chances of getting a refund back to your original form of payment. When an airline flight cancellation (no matter the reason) or there is a significant change in schedule, you are eligible for a full refund.
Faster and easier online tools
Since you can modify your flight online or through the carrier’s app, you don’t necessarily need to call the airline to reschedule or receive a refund. Before calling an airline, make sure you’ve attempted to fix the problem online through the “manage my booking” tab on your airline’s website.
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Since online service is preferred, most major airlines detail on their websites how easy it is to make changes or cancels online or by using their apps.
Additionally, TPG provides step-by-step instructions for modifying flights on specific carriers:
In the past, travelers could also use social media, specifically Twitter, to Access to airline customer service. However, as of May 2023, some airlines — including French airline And KLM — recently removed customer service support through social media platforms, rather than directing customers to other avenues.
bottom line
If something goes wrong with your travel this summer, try to troubleshoot through the techniques above before attempting to contact an airline by phone.
Consider the timing of your situation when trying to get help. If you’re traveling in the next few days, it’s a good idea to call to get your situation resolved as soon as possible.
If you’re making changes before your flight, it’s a good idea to wait — especially if you’re looking for a refund. Also, don’t forget to see if online modifications can be made to your itinerary.
Above all, patience is the most important quality. Not only does it increase the chances of getting a refund, but it also opens a phone line for those in urgent need.
Related readings:
Zach Griff previously contributed to this report.
