Mind Saving Monday

No matter if you miss your flight or your flight is canceled or delayed, it's never fun to sit around in an airport waiting. Here are some tips I used on a troubled flight where my first flight (delayed because of bad weather) caused me to miss my connecting flight home.

If there is no hope of getting out the same day, the first thing to do is find a room for the night as close as possible to the airport. I say do this first because everyone else will be doing the same thing and you want to beat them to the punch. I actually called as soon as we landed and people were still unloading off of our delayed plane. Before I leave home I print a list of a few hotels close to the airports that I will be flying through with their phone number, website and online price. Call the hotel ASAP; they may cut you a price break out of sympathy. If the cost is more over the phone than online, pull out your laptop or smart phone and book online.

If you have a travel agent they should be the next phone call. They can be a tremendous help in looking for a new flight and may have connections that you don't.

Your third step should be calling the airline for reservations help, make sure to have this number along with your flight numbers available. You will most likely be on hold for a while so make the call on your way to get in line for a gate agent to assist you in the airport. These steps can double your chances of getting help sooner.

Have a laptop? Pop it out while you are waiting on hold and in line. Search for options on the airline website yourself, even look at flights on other carriers. Be prepared with alternatives before you get someone to help you. Triple multi-tasking is definitely the key.

Everyone knows that I highly discourage checking luggage…. BUT, if you do check your luggage, always bring a change of clothes, medication and your toiletries in your carry-on.

So by now you should have your next flight booked, a hotel room waiting for you and some time to kill. Here is what to do now…

First, take a deep breath, all of your hard work and fast thinking has paid off and your new arrangements (ideal or not) are in order.

Second, check in to your room, have a nice meal and a spa treatment to dissolve away the stress. Relax, pick up a new book or take a nap - don't think about all of the other people getting a headache sitting in the awful airport chairs next to screaming kids that can't get a hotel room.

Third, take advantage of your "extended" vacation and check out the local attractions. A museum or zoo can be ultra-relaxing or check out that movie in the theater you have wanted to see!

My last words of advice: Be nice, be creative and be patient – everything will eventually workout. Think of it as an opportunity, not a let-down.