Outrageous Fortune

When flights are late, trips are canceled, or luggage is missing, these tips may help smooth over a rocky travel experience

AIRLINES ARE STILL ironing out operations after a summer and fall of flight cancellations, staffing shortages and lost luggage. Given how full airplanes are, and how limited rebooking can be when an entire plane is scrambling for a new flight, how can you reach an airline when something goes wrong?

Few people realize that many members of the executive team of an airline has an email address posted on the Internet. This is the best way to reach out to a CEO whether you’re currently traveling, have completed your trip, or are stuck in a luggage fiasco with missing bags. A quick message can go a long way toward making sure you are properly compensated by the airline and that your feelings are being heard. You will usually receive a response within two to three business days. It doesn’t matter when your trip was or if there were multiple issues on the same flight. Executive management often isn’t aware of “behind the scenes” issues that occur daily. To search for emails, try Elliott Advocacy, a great website that has a list of executive team members on every airline.

Another option is to file a complaint form with the Department of Transportation. DOT will officially open a case against the airline on your behalf. Every traveler who flies on an airline to, from or within the United States is eligible.

When you are flying and need assistance, the time it takes to contact an airline customer representative determines how long it will be until your problem is solved. Even if you don’t have airline status or are not in premium, you can still speak with an agent quickly. Chat and text messages are the best way to reach someone. With increased travel demand and operational issues, all airlines are forcing passengers to message them. Wait times are usually five to 30 minutes rather than more than an hour if you try calling a phone line.

Elite status members of an airline’s frequent-flyer program have access to different numbers and can enjoy shorter wait times. However, when there is bad weather or other issues affecting an airline’s operations, even elites may be faced with a lengthy wait.

Another good option is Twitter. The social-media teams for many hotels and airlines are very responsive with customer service. Via tweet, message or chat, a traveler can do just about anything with a reservation, including canceling, changing, rebooking, asking questions and selecting seats.

If your flight is delayed or canceled and you are at the airport, you don’t have to stand in line to talk to a representative. It might be faster to connect online via an airline’s website or message function. If you have club access, you can head there for help from experienced agents with potentially shorter wait lines.

Around the world there are many problems with checked luggage, and Apple AirTags offer an effective bag-tracking system. Priced at $29 for one or $99 for four, AirTags provide constant information about the location of luggage. Global airlines, especially in the United States, have added new technologies that enable a passenger to track a bag at various stages of its journey. However, when your baggage has been offloaded via the airline’s app and is nowhere to be seen in baggage claim, it’s time to open the Find My application for iPhone or Tracker Detect application for Android and actually locate your missing bag.

Currently, luggage is being offloaded from airplanes and not moved to baggage claim in a timely manner. Many travelers arrive at their destination without knowing what has happened to their luggage. Travelers need to be aware of the actual location of the luggage and potentially show agents where it is. Usually, the contractor working the flights is unaware that the luggage needs to go from one end of the airport to the other. As a result, many passengers have to leave the airport without it. Knowing where your bags are might save your trip.