How to prepare for a delayed flight

Flight delays are the biggest pet peeves amongst travellers, but there are plenty of ways you can make them more manageable. Here’s what you can do to prepare for a potential delayed flight. 

Phone charger/portable charger

Running out of battery while stuck in an airport can be very frustrating, especially if you’re wanting to communicate with loved ones, play games or even scroll through social media to pass the time. Flight delays can potentially be extremely long, a common frequent flyer rule is to always keep your chargers in your carry-on just in case. We recommend going the extra mile by packing a fully charged portable charger. It can be very difficult to find free outlets at airports, a portable charger offers you the flexibility to charge your devices wherever.

Noise cancelling earphone

Noise cancelling earphones are a complete game changer for travellers, whether you’re blocking out fussy babies or those extra loud passengers. Earphones are perfect ways to distract you from your flight delay, from listening to your music, meditation guides to calm your nerves or watching a movie or TV. However, airports can be extremely loud and busy, with noise cancelling earphones you will be able to fully zone out for hours on end. Remember, if you have wireless headphones, make sure you have the charger on hand in case of a low battery. 

Medication

Flight delays can last hours or in some cases a day, in fact the longest flight delay lasted a week in 1941 in New Zealand. For that reason, it is always important to make sure that any regular medication is kept on you, particularly medication that has to be taken at specific times. It is also a good idea to keep the basic health care items with you, like pain relievers, allergy medication and band-aids just in case. 

Toiletries

If you’re stuck in an airport overnight, packing a few travel sized toiletries in your hand luggage is always a good idea. In fact, frequent flyers recommend keeping a day or two worth of toiletries on you including deodorant and make up wipes to keep you feeling fresh.

We recommend always carrying disposable travel sized toothbrushes and toothpaste in your carry-on luggage. There’s nothing like clean teeth and minty fresh breath to help you feel like a completely new person, and you never know when you need to make a good impression. 

Empty water bottle and snacks

Everyone knows how expensive airport food and drink can be. Do yourself a favour and bring some snacks that will get you through your potential delay or to keep you going on your flight. 

Instead of spending an obscene amount of water at the airport, it’s more cost effective and environmentally friendly to bring a reusable on. No matter how long you’re delayed, you are guaranteed to get thirsty. Bring an empty water bottle that you can refill, most airports will have filling stations located around for this reason. We recommend investing in a collapsible water bottle, this will save you valuable space in your hand luggage. 

Travel insurance

We might sound a little biased, but you can never be too prepared when it comes to preparing for potential flight delays or cancellations. Did you know that 70% of passengers don’t claim their flight compensation? Save yourself the hassle and invest in Flight Patroller!

Our team will do the hard work of working out your flight claims and make sure you are properly compensated for your delays/cancellations. All you have to do is worry about what TV show will help you pass the time. For more information about what Flight Patrol can offer you on your next journey please visit –