Some useful winter travel tips

Winter vacations sound exciting but, it may throw up unpleasant surprises if you are not prepared enough. Travelling in the winter with safe measures and reaching the destinations without any trouble is very important. 

Trouble causers like heavy storms, slippery slush and ice, treacherous roads, poor visibility, fog/ice covered windshields, dry skin, cancelled or delayed flights are only some of them.

If taking flights, consider the following-

Check the weather and plan accordingly. Even if you have booked first class flights to Seoul from UK(or to anywhere else) months back; check it on a daily basis, a week before going. Following the airlines on social media is helpful.

Book direct flights(say on first class flights to Muscat) with no stopovers. You may miss your connecting flight if your first flight is delayed.

Select early morning flights, (first class flights to Kathmandu, say) which are usually not cancelled; even if cancelled, you’ll have ample time to book another.

Choose alternative airports with less traffic.

Get a travel insurance made. You will be waived off cancellation charges and get proper rescheduling of flights (say, first class flights to Doha).

If you are making a road trip, then-

Keep the oil tank at least half-filled always.

Carry the extra clothes and emergency items with you like gloves, coat, boots, blanket, jumper cables, flashlight and most importantly- a scraper& even hand-warmers. Take wind-shield cleaners. If kids or pets accompany you, pack accordingly. Layer your clothing. Don’t wear cotton.

Check whether the vehicle is appropriate for the weather. Drive carefully and keep the lights on even during the day.

Remain hydrated. Be watchful of your food choices (avoid sugary food). Carry healthy snacks.

Keep your skin moisturized at all times.

Drive through an easy road and stay inside the car, if you’re stuck.

What are you entitled to in case of delays of flights?

What with the winter season, delays and cancellations are commonplace and as a flier, it would do you well to know these rights. International Aviation regulators, have laid out rules for airlines to follow in case of delays (say, business class flights to Hyderabad from UK ) cancellations and refunds.

If the delay is for less than 24 hours from the scheduled departure, you are entitled to meals and refreshments at the airport. If it exceeds 24 hours, you should be provided with hotel accommodations and transfers.

In case of cancellations (say on business class ticket to Montreal ), the airline is bound to provide you with alternate travel opportunities at no extra cost and refund the ticket if you’re not willing to travel at all. You won’t be entitled to any compensation if you don't accept alternate travel arrangements offered.

The time for refund differs, depending on whether you pay by cash or card. For bookings via travel agent(say through Business Flight Shop), approach the agent. The refund includes Passenger Services Fee, Airport Development Fee/User Development Fee and service tax. You can either take the refund or use it to travel on another date.

There will be no compensation if the delay on business class ticket to Bengaluru(say) is caused due to 'force majeure', meaning unusual and unforeseeable events that are beyond the airline's control, and which could not have been avoided despite taking enough measures.

If boarding is denied due to overbooked business class flights to Chennai, the airline is not liable to pay compensation if it arranges for an alternate flight scheduled to depart within a certain period after your original flight's departure. Otherwise, the flier has to be compensated.

Always make sure you provide proper details, while booking your ticket. This includes your correct email address and mobile number, because those who provide wrong contact info are not entitled to financial compensation.

Source: https://businessclassflightstoraleighdurham.blogspot.com/2023/01/what-are-you-entitled-to-in-case-of.html