Delhi and parts of north India are covered, every morning, in fog this season, as it has been every winter in recent years, making domestic airline travel a nightmare.
Are you planning a journey?
Though you may not be traveling through Delhi, you need to expect delays because it is possible that the aircraft your flight will utilise originated in Delhi, earlier in the day.
Flights are also running jam-packed this season and airports are swamped with passengers.
A few precautions:
- Re-check the timing of your flight before you leave home. Although many airlines do not give the most reliable information in advance it is still worth having the airline's airport number handy before you set out and enquiring if flights on each sector of your journey are running on time and are not cancelled.
- Make sure you reach the airport at least 75 minutes before take off. Airports are operating at an excruciatingly slow pace because of the enormous number of passengers traveling. It takes a lot of time to locate baggage trolleys, navigate your way into the airport past unloading cars, x-ray luggage and check in. Those with check in luggage need to be especially punctual.
- Label and lock your suitcases and bags before you leave home. If there is more congestion than expected while checking in at the airport you are not likely to get time to either lock your bags or label them. This season plenty of luggage gets misplaced too so tags are a must. And if your bag is very ordinary-looking or of a common label add some additional identification like a ribbon or a sticker.
- Charge your phone. You may be stranded in an airport for several hours and you do not want your cell to die on you. Take your cellphone charger in your hand baggage.
- Keep a set of spare clothes, your toilet bag, emergency medication and anything you may need to get to quickly in your hand luggage. There is a good chance your checked in luggage will not arrive when you reach your destination. Do remember razors, perfume (at some airports), liquid gels, scissors, etc are not allowed in your hand luggage.
- Flight delays means you may not make your connecting flight. Most airlines -- with a bit of push and convincing -- are willing to endorse your ticket to another airline to get you to your destination in time. You need to know beforehand the airlines that fly to your destinations and your options.
- Know that you are entitled to have an airline make alternate arrangements if they cancel a flight or if flight delays cause you to miss a connecting flight. Stand your ground and request the duty manager to politely offer you an appropriate solution. If flight delays exceed two hours or so the airline will provide you with a snack at the airport.
- Carry sufficient money -- cash and cards -- with you. If you are stranded, you will need money for food, possibly a room at a hotel and maybe even a fresh ticket.
If you have been a victim of fog-related delays in recent days, we want to hear your stories and what advice you have for others traveling this winter.
Tell us!