The thought of airline travel might make you sick. There are several tips for planning an easier journey, but what can you do if the journey is disrupted? There is a plan for using your phone as a travel aid, but you should prepare for the worst.

You can download the official apps for the airlines if you haven't already done so. You can get notifications in the airline app, along with tools that come in handy when plans go awry, even if you sign up for travel alert by text or email.

ImageBefore you fly, grab the official app, far left, for the airline you’re using from your app store. Many airline apps offer helpful tools, near left, like airport maps and baggage tracking.
Before you fly, grab the official app, far left, for the airline you’re using from your app store. Many airline apps offer helpful tools, near left, like airport maps and baggage tracking.Credit...Google; American Airlines
Before you fly, grab the official app, far left, for the airline you’re using from your app store. Many airline apps offer helpful tools, near left, like airport maps and baggage tracking.

You can use a weather app to see the conditions at your flights. If your flight is canceled, having apps for hotel chains, car-rental services or even train schedules already installed can help you find a place to stay.

Most airline apps offer mobile check-in and digital boarding passes, as well as a status screen to see if your flight is on time, delayed or canceled. Changes in the flight's status are also notified by airlines.

When a flight is delayed or canceled it is usually because the designated plane is behind schedule. There is a "Where's My Plane?" feature in some major airline and tracker apps. You can start the rebooking process if you see that your plane is late arriving.

ImageAirline apps show your flight’s current status, and some even display the current whereabouts of the aircraft you’ll be riding so you can see if it’s at the gate yet (or not).
Airline apps show your flight’s current status, and some even display the current whereabouts of the aircraft you’ll be riding so you can see if it’s at the gate yet (or not).Credit...United Airlines
Airline apps show your flight’s current status, and some even display the current whereabouts of the aircraft you’ll be riding so you can see if it’s at the gate yet (or not).

There are third-party flight tracker apps that work across multiple airlines. Flighty for the iPhone can be used to monitor air traffic, detect disruptions to your flight plans and alert you immediately.

ImageApps like Flightradar24, FlightStats, FlightAware and Flighty (all shown here) not only track your flight but also provide information on other flights, airport delays, weather and more; most apps require a subscription for all their features.
Apps like Flightradar24, FlightStats, FlightAware and Flighty (all shown here) not only track your flight but also provide information on other flights, airport delays, weather and more; most apps require a subscription for all their features.Credit...From left, Flightradar24; FlightStats; FlightAware; Flighty
Apps like Flightradar24, FlightStats, FlightAware and Flighty (all shown here) not only track your flight but also provide information on other flights, airport delays, weather and more; most apps require a subscription for all their features.

You can simply type the airline and flight number into your search engine.

If you check a bag, you might be able to track your luggage. Delta Air Lines has used radio-frequency identification tags on checked bags for a long time. The Track My Bags button in your airline's app will let you know when your suitcase is located.

ImageSome carriers, including Delta Air Lines, use special tags on your bags so you can track them in the company’s app.
Some carriers, including Delta Air Lines, use special tags on your bags so you can track them in the company’s app.Credit...Delta Air Lines
Some carriers, including Delta Air Lines, use special tags on your bags so you can track them in the company’s app.

If your carrier doesn't offer bag- tracking, you don't trust it or you'd rather do it yourself, you can slip an inexpensive device into your suitcase and use your phone to track it.

You don't have to fear if your flight is delayed. Maps can be used to find phone-charging stations, coffee and other necessities. Airport maps are included in your airline's app.

ImageMany airline apps, like those for American Airlines, far left, and Virgin Atlantic, include terminal maps for the major airports they service.
Many airline apps, like those for American Airlines, far left, and Virgin Atlantic, include terminal maps for the major airports they service.Credit...Far left, American Airlines; left, Virgin Atlantic Airways
Many airline apps, like those for American Airlines, far left, and Virgin Atlantic, include terminal maps for the major airports they service.

Terminal maps can be found in programs like Apple Maps and Google Maps.

ImageIf your airline’s app doesn’t include airport layouts, Apple Maps, far left, and Google Maps can often show you around the terminal.
If your airline’s app doesn’t include airport layouts, Apple Maps, far left, and Google Maps can often show you around the terminal.Credit...Apple; Google
If your airline’s app doesn’t include airport layouts, Apple Maps, far left, and Google Maps can often show you around the terminal.

If you have a flight coming up, you should check the map to make sure you are in the right airport. It's possible that you need to hoof it at a high rate of speed.

Rebooking can be done on your phone if your flight is canceled. Most airlines allow you to change your mind through their websites or apps, and it's usually quicker than calling the customer service line. For more information on the rebooking process, visit your airline's website.

ImageIf you’re worried that your flight may get canceled, prepare by visiting your airline’s customer-service guide (like Delta’s, shown here) and familiarizing yourself with its rebooking procedure.
If you’re worried that your flight may get canceled, prepare by visiting your airline’s customer-service guide (like Delta’s, shown here) and familiarizing yourself with its rebooking procedure.Credit...Delta Air Lines
If you’re worried that your flight may get canceled, prepare by visiting your airline’s customer-service guide (like Delta’s, shown here) and familiarizing yourself with its rebooking procedure.

It's possible to transfer your ticket to another airline if there aren't enough seats. Alternative flights will be shown on travel-booking websites if not. If you need to get to your destination but the airline won't give you a voucher, use your apps for hotels or alternative travel.

You may be able to get travel credits or refunds if your flight is canceled. If you paid with a credit card that has trip interruption insurance, ask if you paid with AirHelp. A new interactive dashboard for frustrated travelers is in the works at the Department of Transportation.

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