by Clinetta Johnson

Created on: December 04, 2008

When dealing with delayed flights the first word is patience. I know it is not the most popular thing to exercise but it will serve you well to find a calm place to rest your mind. We as human beings have short fuses when it comes to waiting and it's more now than ever before, we are trying to get from point A to B in record time. Patience is the virtue that so few of us possess but even when standing in line to find out why there is a delay, if we exercise patience, we will receive the rewards sooner. The man in front of you with the overcoat and briefcase who is screaming at the ticket counter attendant may have an effect on even the easiest going person. We have to watch and make sure that we aren't influenced by what others say or do in order to make the best of an uncomfortable situation. Delays are just that, a delay in getting to your destination. The flight will happen and the sooner you call and make the necessary schedule changes with your destination party the better. A quick phone call to notify your spouse, significant other, business associate, etc. the better you will feel. You soon begin to feel yourself calming and being able to fix your mind on more constructive things like, where or how to spend the extra time you've been allotted.

Here are some suggestions as to how to spend you newly found freedom in the airport. If you haven't eaten yet, I suggest you find the nearest restaurant or food vender to your gate location as to not miss an announcement. You can purchase a good book to read or pull out the one you brought to enjoy during your flight. Unfortunately, the delay could take hours or even days depending on the geographic location. Show or icy runways can be the worst kind of delay, a deadly hazard, bringing air traffic to a screeching halt for several days. If you are traveling with small children you may want to gather all the details from the airline and request a voucher to a near by hotel for the duration of the delay. It is unlikely that the airlines will refuse because your patronage to their business is always their priority, especially during this day and time. Allow yourself time to enjoy the pleasures of a good meal with your family, the airlines pick up tabs for meals as well. There are several options for entertainment at major airports such as Bar and Grills where alcohal is served that include television and movies that you can sit back, sipping on your favorite beverage and watch while you wait. Enjoy!

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