Tips for surviving massive flight cancellations

AS SNOWSTORMS cause headaches for thousands of US travellers with the cancellation of more than 8000 flights, we look at ways to improve your odds of getting home quicker.

Eli Lopez naps at Logan International Airport after his flight was cancelled. Picture: AP

A WAVE of snowstorms and bitter cold temperatures has caused headaches for hundreds of thousands of flyers whose flights have been cancelled. In the past three days, more than 8000 flights in the United States have been cancelled, according to flight tracking site FlightAware.com.

Today alone, one out of every 10 domestic flights never took off.

In recent years, airlines have cut the number of flights to ensure that most of their planes depart full. That's been great for their bottom line but leaves very few empty seats to rebook stranded travellers. Passengers are pretty much at the mercy of the airlines. But there are a few things you can do to improve their odds of getting home quickly:

• If you miss your connection, the airlines will automatically rebook you on the next available flight. However, with flights at near capacity, the next open seat could be several days away.

• If you're unhappy with your rebooked flight, get in line to speak to a customer service representative. But also, pick up the phone and call the airline directly, go onto the airline's website and even consider sending a Tweet. If the phone lines are jammed, try the airline's overseas numbers. You'll pay long-distance rates, but might not have to wait.

News_Rich_Media: A winter storm has brought chaos to the US, killing 11 people and forcing the cancellation of flights.

• Consider buying a one-day pass to the airline lounge. It's a nice place to relax away from the crowd and there are usually free drinks and light snacks. But the real secret to the lounges is that the airline staffs them with some of its best - and friendliest - ticket agents. The lines inside will be much shorter and these agents are magically able to find empty seats where nobody else can. One-day passes typically cost $50.

• Use sites such as Lastminute.com.au to find last-minute hotel discounts for that night.

Warning: Many of the rooms are non-refundable when booked.

News_Image_File: Snow is removed from the tarmac at Kennedy International Airport. Picture: AFP

News_Image_File: Anna Maksimkina of Russia, sleeps on the floor at Kennedy International Airport. Picture: AP