When you are traveling by plane, flight delays can happen. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to preparing for flight delays and staying calm when they occur.
“Travel delays can be frustrating, but a little preparation goes a long way,” said Stephen Taylor, M.D., chief medical officer at UofL Health – Peace Hospital. “Give yourself extra time, bring a few comfort items with you and remind yourself to stay calm—even when plans shift. Hope for the best but be prepared for the unexpected. An when all else fails, sometimes the best solution is simply to drive.”
Prepare Before You Leave Home
Book flights wisely to reduce delay risk:
- Choose early-morning flights with less backlog.
- Avoid tight connections (less than 90 minutes on domestic flights or two hours for international).
- Fly direct when possible.
- Pick airlines with strong on-time statistics (check FlightAware or OAG).
Pack a “delay kit” in your carry-on bag to help make three- to six-hour delays tolerable:
- Phone/device charger
- Noise-cancelling earbuds/headphones
- Snacks (nuts, protein bars that are “TSA friendly”)
- Empty refillable water bottle
- Neck pillow and/or a light blanket
- Downloaded movies, books, podcasts, games
Sign up for airline alerts to receive:
- Airline app push notifications
- Text alerts via airline website
Strategies to Stay Calm While Traveling
Dr. Taylor also recommends these counter strategies to help stay calm and combat frustration triggers while traveling:
- Frustration spiral: Label it: “This is annoying, not a catastrophe.”
- Anxiety about missing a connection: Control circle: “Write down what you can control (rebooking, snacks, sleep) versus what you can’t (weather, delays). Focus only on the first list.”
- Boredom or restlessness: Micro-goals: “I’ll finish one podcast, then walk 10 minutes, then I’ll eat. This breaks time into chunks.”
- Crowds or noise: Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds plus eye mask: “Instant zen zone.”
“The bottom line is that airline delays are like traffic jams—annoying but survivable,” said Dr. Taylor.
