How to handle "Winterchaos"

We’ve all seen the mess snow storms have caused in the last couple of weeks on both sides of the Atlantic. Thousands of flights cancelled. Holiday plans ruined.

Would you know what to do if you were in this situation. Budget Travel magazine has come up with some excellent suggestions on how to avoid being one of those stranded for days:

Winterchaos

(Frank II)

Comments

[Maria]

Always pack a few small snacks - several protein-style bars, nuts, hard candies, dried fruit

Have a list of local numbers / how to dial "locally" - airlines, embassy, emergency like police / ambulance, your own travel agent number back home, credit card companies
(American Express has been invaluable to me for such when a family member was stranded at the airport in another city during a snow storm many years ago. They got a hotel, clothing, food, and Am Ex took care of finding another flight home. My disabled family member just had to sit tight until it was organized - it didn't take long. Granted this may not have worked with the increible volume this time in Europe, but worth a shot.)

Carry additional layering pieces - glove liners (I like IceBreaker brand), head covering - take up little room and little weight

Keep mobile phone charged fully, carry coins in local currency (if public phones are required and do not take plastic etc.)

And of course - one bag as your carry on luggage! :)

[K-eM]

Be flexible. When I have been stranded, I've been flexible with the airline staff who is rebooking my flights.

Once, in an attempt to just get home, I told the woman assisting me that I didn't care how she did it as long as I didn't need a passport and I could be home within 4 days. Her face said it all. I wasn't being tough, I was being flexible, and I was patient. They got me home in two.