This week he provided many reminders of what can go wrong when it comes to traveling.
In Spain and Portugal, airlines, airports, railways and almost every aspect of the economy are just beginning to return on the road after widespread eclipses on Monday, trips and overhanging procedures.
Investigators are still looking for the cause of interruptions, NBC News reportedS The eclipses went through most of the two sides and parts of France on Monday, which led to the airport stop, stopped trains and a complete mass confusion (not to mention the dark) on Earth.
Other regions also had to fight the troubles of travel.
Labor strikes in Belgium led to interruption of flights that were piling up on Tuesday. And, Stateside, a federal aviation administration interruption on Monday threw a wrench in the flight schedules of one of the most busy airports in the country.
Suffice it to say that the week started to become a rock start when it comes to traveling – by less than a month until the peak season of summer trips increased.
Here’s what we know about the interruptions and what you can do to prepare – whether you are in the tight troubles, you are preparing to travel in the next few days or hope to be ready for your next trip.
Eclipses in Europe
The eclipses on Monday left people in the dark in much of Spain and Portugal, and the key infrastructure was still coming back online a day later.
The Spanish government was appointed for an emergency meeting on Tuesday as airports and airlines began to return on the road.
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But there was a lot to unravel: more than 40% of Monday departments were delayed in Madrid and Barcelona, according to FlightAwareAnd 27% of the departure from Lisbon was delayed.
Airlines and railway operators have issued travel refusals that allowed passengers to change their routes at no extra cost. This included Spanish Flag Iberia FlagWhich allowed passengers to reserve on any flights on the same route or up to 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) at no additional cost until May 11.
Brussels
It was not just the Iberian Peninsula affected by travel interruptions this week.
In Belgium, Brussels Airport (BRU) urged passengers not to come to the airport against a labor strike by the member of the ground crew, which nourishes the mass cancellation of the flight.
By the early afternoon, about 30% of BR BR were canceled at FlightAware.
US traveling with troubles
Meanwhile, flyers in parts of the United States were dealing with countless interruptions earlier this week.
On Monday, Newark Liberti International Airport (EWR) announced a break of FAA equipment, which at one point made the agency stop all take -off and landings and nourished hundreds of flight delays and cancellation.
Other carriers warn of potential interruptions from thunderstorms in parts of the deep south, including the American Megahub at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
Be careful about airline signals and refusals
Whether you are actively struggling with travel interruptions or planning to fly in the coming days, be careful about signals from your airline, email or mobile application of your operator.
Especially when it comes to international trips from the United States, your carrier may issue ballots to inform you about the problems of your destination.
The three American carriers who are currently flying to Spain and Portugal have issued tips that allowed passengers who are involved in destinations such as Lisbon, Porto, Madrid and Barcelona to make free changes to the route – even when they fly usually restrictive major economies:
Closer to home, United did the same against the backdrop of FAA’s interruptions in his Newark Hub.
Stay glued to the airline application
Keep in mind that in many cases when your flight is slowed down or canceled – whether due to the weather, maintenance or some other unforeseen problem – you may be able to avoid waiting for the airline to be held (or staying in a long airport line) by changing the flight with a few cranes right into your airline application.
Flight is canceled or fun? Here’s what to do after
Problem with your long distance flight? Just get to Europe
If you have focused on Europe and in the city of your destination there are major disturbances, you can ask if the airline can direct you to another European city and, through one of its partners, book you in a separate flight over short distances to your final destination.
About 10 years ago I headed to Paris, but my flight was canceled due to a labor strike affecting the airport of Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
My airline eventually sent me to London Heathrow Airport that evening, and then the next day I flew to Paris.
In the case of recent interruptions in Spain or Portugal, if I had a flight on Monday, I would probably ask my airline to direct me to its largest alliance center in Europe, where there will probably be enough opportunities to connect one of its partner airlines.
These types of changes can sometimes prevent you from waiting for 24 hours (or more) to return your journey on your way.
Watch signals for official social media channels
Even when traveling abroad, be careful about important signals on the website of your airline or railways or official social media channels, just as you would travel when traveling in the country.
For example, the Spanish high -speed Renfe railway uses X to warn passengers affected by the interruptions of this week that they will be entitled to recovery or rewrite.
Keep in mind that the main social media platforms offer translations of publications, offering a way to get key information.
Know your air travel rights
As always, it is important yes Know your rights as a passenger When you fly.
US Rules
State, the rules of the US Department of Transport require airlines to issue a speedy recovery of passengers when their flight is canceled or significantly delayed – if They choose not to travel or accept reassignment.
On the other hand, if the airline offers the passenger a short flight and the passenger accepts, they will not be entitled to recovery.
Read more: You have the right to restore your canceled flight
Dishes, hotels and vouchers
In some cases, the airline may cover the cost of dining, hotel and ground transport for passengers facing cancellation of flights or long delays. These promises are written at the points Airline for customer service panelS
However, keep in mind that these guarantees are usually applied only during “controllable” interruptions considered to be the fault of the airline. In most cases, bad weather (or interruption of the FAA) would not meet these criteria.
EU261
The European Union has even further rules for compensation for passengers in accordance with the provision known as EU261. You can read more about your EU rights (even as an American traveler) In our guide EU261S
Book your trip by credit card that has a travel insurance
Be sure to book your travel card travel plans that has security insurance for travel insurance.
There is a wide range of cards that earn points, miles or portable prizes while offering a restoration of major interruptions to the trip.
These protections can be particularly convenient when the airline refuses to compensate for you this unexpected stay at the hotel after the flight is canceled.
Just remember: in most cases, in order to make a successful insurance claim under a credit card, you need to make the reservation with this card.
Read more: Best credit cards with travel insurance
Practical advice
There are many practical steps that you can take to prepare for unexpected interruptions of the trip.
Always have (loaded) external batteries
Be sure to carry an external battery that can charge your phone and potentially other critical devices.
This can be useful not only during the power outage, but also in a situation where you cannot get to the way out – or when the output of your aircraft is defective.
Read more: Our favorite travel hacks from very frequent leaflets
Make some money
Most TPG employees and readers prefer to use a Credit card without fees for foreign transactions When traveling abroad to earn purchases points.
But having money on hand is still a good idea. Example: Against the backdrop of the latest eclipses in Spain and Portugal, we have heard long lines in ATMs that were online and worked.
Plus, basic interruptions of connectivity can throw a wrench for credit card transactions.
Consider a lower-level hotel room
If you or a traveling satellite have problems with mobility and stay at a hotel, consider not only an accessible room, but one on or near the ground floor.
When emergencies occur – or when the fire alarm spontaneously goes out in the middle of the night, as I have happened in countless cases – remember that the elevator may not be an option.
There was a lot of reports This week, residents and passengers also receive help from emergency reactors until the elevators were in operation during the eclipse.
We recommend that you contact the hotel reception before your stay to try to provide the best room for your travel needs. In many properties, you can email the reception or, with the main chains such as Marriott or Hyatt, talk to hotel staff through the mobile app.
Guess your way back to the hotel
Finally, I would just suggest you study the map of every city you visit, so at least you know how to get back to the hotel if you suddenly lose access to a cell service – or if your phone dies or rests.
So many of us are accustomed to following step by step instructions that the phone gives us in this high -tech world, but it is important to be prepared in case it suddenly ceases to be an option.
As an alternative, some smartphone card applications will also allow you to download a given offline viewing area, so you still have affordable instructions, even if the cell service is bad. It was helpful to me last fall as I moved with the scattered medina in Moroccan town of MarrakechS
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