ISPINE.ORG Forum - Airline problems

I'm stuck here in Washington/Dulles... jail for a day. I met my client in Dulles... both coming from different locations, connecting to the same flight to Munich. United had a mechanical problem that they could not resolve yesterday and no other aircraft were available... so our flight is delayed by 26 hours! (I have to note that with 27 trips to Europe and many others elsewhere... this is the first time I've ever had a problem.... pretty good track record for the airlines as far as I'm concerned.)

Since I'm traveling again, I'll be working on the travel forums and I'll use this opportunity to start generating / organizing more content. Please post your tips for avoiding / resolving airline problems here.

1. MEDS!!! Carry meds in your carry-on AND checked bags so you can lose either and still be OK for a few days. Do not put yourself in a position where losing a bag puts you into an urgent situation with your meds. You cannot get narcotics on short notice!

2. Necessity pack in your carry-on. We are here in the hotel and our bags did NOT make it here. Make sure you bring what you need for an overnight stay... spare underwear? Razor? Jack Daniels?

3. Be early in the change line! If they are deplaning a 777 full of passengers, they do not expect to fly soon. Alternate flights and routes will quickly be filled... do not lolligag and wait for the final cancellation before disovering alternatives. By the time you get there... all will likely be gone.

4. Go with the flow... I've gotten a graphic lesson from some fellow travelers in how not to act. The agent behind the counter cannot manufacture a seat where there is none. They cannot take someone else's seat and give it to you. If it's important for you to get to the wedding or surgery... leave time in your schedule to account for potential problems. If you don't leave extra time in your schedule, you are putting yourself at risk for missing your important events.