Travel Tip: Subscribe to flight status notification or messaging before your flight

How to handle delayed and canceled flights like a pro

You should subscribe to flight status notification or messaging before your flight if your airline offers such service because it can save you time and help you get on the last good alternative flight if your original flight is canceled or delayed.   

With airlines reducing capacity because of high fuel costs there will likely be fewer seats available to rebook passengers if flights get delayed or canceled. 

One trick for beating the crowd to rebooking is finding out about the problem before the masses.  Flight status notification or messaging provides you with this edge.

Flight status notification or messaging is where the airline will e-mail, text/SMS, or call you with updates to your flight status starting a few hours before scheduled takeoff.

As soon as you get an update that your flight is delayed or canceled you should immediately call the airline and find out if there are any reroute options available that will get you to your destination.

Links to Airline Flight Status Notification or Messaging Signup Web Pages

Here is a list of (mostly USA) airlines that provide flight status notification or messaging.  Click on their name to go to their flight status notification or messaging signup page:

• Air Canada
• Alaska/Horizon
• American
• Continental
• Delta
• Frontier
• Northwest
• Southwest
• United
• WestJet

This list isn't exhaustive so please post a comment with a link to any signup pages for other airlines.

Some airlines allow you to link your frequent flyer account to their flight status notification or messaging systems so that you automatically get notifications for any flight that your frequent flyer number is attached to.  If your airline offers that I strongly recommend it. 

Also be aware that while these status update services offered by the airline can help you get rebooked quickly they shouldn't be relied on as your sole source for the status of your flight.  These systems don't always work so be sure to check your flight status other ways too.   

Comments

[Cjitravels]

Cross pack with a travel companion. That way if the airline loses your luggage, you will still have half the clothes you need for the week.

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[Bulk SMS]

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[Air Ticket Online]

Flight status notification or messaging is really a good way of informing the passengers about their flights. It lessens the worry/doubt and it increases satisfaction and trust.