I am currently posting from the Delta SkyMiles Lounge in the Raleigh-Durham Airport. I am with Jessie and we are in the 6th hour into our delay to get back to New York. We are on our way home from her swim meet in Cary, North Carolina. The New York Airports are all experiencing major delays today due to heavy fog.
When our flight this morning was canceled, there was chaos amongst the passengers and everyone disbursed to try to find another way home. Much of that was to no avail, as 6 hours later, flights are still be canceled and delayed.
Shortly after my original flight was canceled and while I waited in a line of many people at the gate to talk to the Delta rep, I went into my Delta app and saw that Delta automatically rebooked us on a 6:30 pm flight through Atlanta. (We originally had an 8am direct flight into LaGuardia.) Okay, at least we had a flight.
However, wasn’t loving the time. (In hindsight, I think I am a lot better off than some of the people with earlier flights whose flights still continue to get canceled–we shall see…). I decided instead of waiting on line with the “common folk”, I would try to see if the Delta reps in the Delta Sky Lounge could help me, as I was able to access the lounge for free because I have my American Express Platinum with me.
I went into the Delta Sky Lounge (without Jessie at this point as she does not get in with me for free), and easily had 2 Delta reps at my disposal and no one in front of me on line. They researched options for me and although we were unsuccessful in getting us on an earlier flight, it was such a pleasant and efficient experience, that this will always be the way I deal with delays and cancellations in the future. (provided I can access the lounge for free.)
Speaking of free lounges, although I did get in for free today, my traveling companion (ie-Jessie) did not. I had to pay $29 to have her accompany me into the lounge. But it is totally worth it. After all, we are spending the whole day at the airport. I hope not the whole night too!!!!
Related posts:
The Lounge Lover’s Nightmare: How Airport Lounges Became More Hassle Than Haven
How I Scored Two Round-Trip Flights to Chicago with Just 28,000 American Airline Miles And A $1000 Hotel For 41,000 World Of Hyatt Points
Maybe You Heard The News About The Airline Refunds!
How Points, Miles, Credit Card Benefits, and Airline Flexibility Can Save You in an Emergency
