South African travellers are facing major disruptions as the FlySafair strike continues to cause widespread delays and flight cancellations.
Airports are in chaos, with long queues, stressed-out passengers and limited rebooking options.
But while the situation may feel overwhelming, there are steps you can take to make the process smoother.
“Rebooking a flight during irregular operations like strikes is a serious test of patience and planning,” says Mummy Mafojane, General Manager at FCM South Africa.
“Even with today’s tech, passengers often find themselves stuck in endless queues or waiting hours on hold with airlines.”
With so many travellers affected by cancellations, especially those on time-sensitive business trips or travelling to remote destinations, knowing how to respond quickly and strategically is key.
Here are Mafojane’s expert tips for navigating flight cancellations, whether you’re stuck in a queue or facing any other travel meltdown:
Top tips for surviving flight cancellation chaos
Book the earliest flight possible: Early departures are less likely to be delayed and give you more rebooking options if things go south later in the day.
Choose busy airports over small ones: Major hubs offer more frequent flights, giving you better chances of getting rebooked quickly.
Don’t go for the cheapest ticket: Ultra-low-cost fares often have rigid change and refund policies. Flexible tickets might cost more upfront but save you big-time during disruptions.
Buy travel insurance and read the fine print: Make sure it covers delays and cancellations due to strikes, weather or mechanical issues.
Download travel and airline apps: These give real-time updates on delays, gate changes and cancellations, often before they’re announced over the intercom.
Enable push notifications: Stay ahead of the crowd with instant alerts that let you act fast.
Screenshot your boarding pass: If systems go down or you lose network access, you’ll still be able to show your booking.
Keep proof of your loyalty status handy: If your app crashes, having physical or saved proof could give you access to quicker support or a lounge.
Build buffer time into your schedule: Always expect the unexpected. Extra time helps cushion the knock-on effect of delays or missed connections.
Carry a portable charger: A flat battery is the last thing you need when trying to rebook or get updates.
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