What to prioritise

Stay close and flexible

During disruption, convenience usually beats perfection. Look for rooms that reduce travel stress and keep you close to your next departure.

• Distance from the airport or departure terminal.
• Free or reliable airport shuttle availability.
• Late check-in and 24-hour reception.
• Flexible cancellation or pay-at-property options.

Before booking

Check the practical details

A room is only useful if you can actually get there, sleep, and get back in time.

• Confirm check-in cut-off times if arriving late.
• Check transport time both ways, not just distance.
• Check whether breakfast matters for an early flight.
• Read recent reviews for shuttle reliability and noise.

If the airline may cover it

Keep evidence tidy

Depending on the route, carrier, and cause of disruption, your airline may offer accommodation or reimbursement. Rules vary, so keep the paper trail simple.

1. Ask the airline whether hotel support is available before paying.
2. Keep cancellation, delay, and rerouting messages.
3. Save hotel, transport, meal, and booking receipts.
4. Use the same name as your flight booking where possible.
5. Check your travel insurance wording before assuming cover.

Things to avoid

Do not add a second problem

When everyone is booking at once, rooms can disappear quickly. Still, a rushed booking can create new stress if the location or terms are wrong.

• A hotel on the wrong side of a city during peak traffic.
• Non-refundable rates before your airline confirms next steps.
• Properties with limited reception hours if arriving late.
• Bookings that require printing documents you cannot access.