Flight Delay Stressing

[Goof]

OK, we're only 6 days away and i am beginning to stress over the possibility of the 1st leg of our flight being delayed. I have tracked our departure flight for the past few weeks and it has a history of being delayed in departing. Some of those delays would have caused us to miss our connecting flight to MCO from Atlanta. Of all the times we have flown, we have never even been close to missing a connecting flight.

Three times in the past 5 days, this flight was delayed in departing our home airport as much as 1 1/2 hours and today was delayed for 9 HOURS!! I would not know what to do if we were to miss our connecting flight in Atlanta because it has never happened before. The real problem, and i'm being serious here, is that my DW has Panic Attacks when under stress and this would totally Freak her. I understand that flights are delayed quite often for weather or mechanical problems and have no problem with this because it for the safety of the passengers, but what i do have a problem with is not having the slightest idea what to do in this situation

Where do we go, who do we talk to, what happens to our luggage and so on and so on! EEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

 

[Ilovestitch]

I don't think there really is anything you can do. I always feel like it's not worth stressing over things you can't control, like flight times. Hope everything goes smoothly! -Steph

 

[goldilocks_63]

Take carry on lugguage, so if you're delayed you have it. (And do laundry there if need by....)

Also, if it looks like wait will be significant find an on-site or nearby hotel and ask for a day rate.

I had to do this with my father because he would tire easily.

Some ideas, Goldi

 

[goldilocks_63]

because sometimes it's hard to get decent food, and everyone is stressed when tired / hungry.


I bring a few toys for my DD, and seen people using music or portable DVD's to pass the time.

Also, carrying a cell phone is great. When things are delayed, the usually direct people into a cattle line to reschedule. Quietly find a chair, and call the airline direct, and see what you can do. Often was more effective for me, as the better slots fill up fast, and if I waited in line, all the good ones were gone.

(Used to fly every week for a year for job. Made Premier status - AAaarghh on United and American! LOL)

Goldi

 

[Goof]

Steph, tks for the encouragement actually, i know this could happen and i have no control over it. I was using the word "Stress" as being typical of what happens when you plan so hard for WDW and then you get close to that departure day, things start going through your mind that could go wrong but in all sincerity, i don't have the slightest clue as to what to do if a delay happens and we miss our connecting flight

 

[Goof]

Goldi, tks for your encouraging words also

 

[safetymom]

Keep in mind that they "pad" the scheduled times so they have room for delays. Usually when you get on the plane they announce the flying time and it is always shorter than what your paperwork says.

Take the toll free number for your airline so if you miss your connecting flight you can call and make arrangements to be put on another flight. You will still have to see an agent so they can route your luggage to the new flight.

I am sure you will be fine. But if it does happen take a deep breath and relax because the airlines are used to handling situations like this. Remember you are on vacation.

 

[manning]

If the flight is delayed definitely get on the cell phone to reservation. You only have one or two people at the airport to assist you. You have dozens at reservation to help. I have the phone number for reservation of every airline I use programmed into my cell phone.

 

[Goof]

tks to all of you for your replies, info and encouragement. I feel totally stupid because of all the times we have flown, problems with delays have never crossed our mind. I guess i've been looking at outbound flights too closely and finally realizing that things do go wrong with schedules, equipment and weather.