No matter which way you cut the travel cake, flying is a hassle, especially when airlines take advantage of customers. From unbelievably long, vacation-ruining layovers to delayed and cancelled flights with no compensation, it’s easily the worst part of your vacation. If you’re tired of being taken advantage of, here are a 4 apps on the market that can help you out.
1. FlyersRights ($0.99, iOS)
Based on the popular and informative Flyers Rights website, the FlyersRights app quickly informs you about all of your rights as an airline passenger. This app is extremely helpful if you ever experience abrupt itinerary changes or unfair rescheduling while in the airport. With the FlyersRights app, you can:
- Research the Three-Hour Rule – You’ve probably heard of the three-hour rule in terms of getting stuck on the runway, but there are particular circumstances when it comes to receiving travel reimbursement. FlyersRights gives you specific details concerning the three-hour rule and whether you should seek reimbursement.
- Track Delays – The FlyersRights app can also help you log your delays and subsequent travel altercations due to delays. This is helpful when seeking reimbursement from the airline.
2. SkyScanner (Free, iOS and Android)
Cancellations and delays aside, arguably the most annoying part of flying is the high cost of airfare. Airlines definitely don’t want you to know how affordable particular flights really are, which is where the SkyScanner app comes into play. SkyScanner allows you to:
- Perform Cost Comparisons – With the SkyScanner app, you can compare millions of flights from thousands of airlines based on your specific travel itinerary. SkyScanner pulls results from major travel websites as well as the airlines themselves.
- Book Flights From Your Phone – SkyScanner also allows you to book the great flight deals you find directly from your smart phone. This is extremely helpful when booking last-minute flight deals while on the way to the airport.
3. Next Flight ($2.99, iOS)
If you’ve ever had a flight delayed or cancelled then you already know how frustrating it is to get a refund and rearrange your travel plans. Luckily, finding another flight is as easy as downloading the Next Flight app with your 4G cell phone. The Next Flight travel app provides:
- Next Flight Availability – If your travel plans change due to a cancelled or delayed flight, then time is of the essence. Next Flight shows you a complete list of all the available flights meeting your travel criteria with direct links to booking those flights.
- Comprehensive Searches – Next Flight searches more than 4,300 worldwide airports and 1,200 airlines, so you’ll know you’re getting the most comprehensive results when searching for an alternative flight.
4. Refund.Me (Free, iOS and Android)
With the time, distance, and possible delays involved, international flights are more likely to experience cancellations than domestic flights. If you’ve ever had an expensive international flight cancellation without reimbursement, then the Refund.Me app can help you:
- File a Claim – Refund.Me allows you to file a claim on your cancelled flight and immediately get the reimbursement ball rolling.
- Review the EU Flight Regulations – There are a number of different regulations when traveling internationally. The Refund.Me app gives you particular European Union regulations regarding flight cancellations and what you are entitled to as a passenger.
If your taking to the skies soon, keep in mind the apps above so the airlines don’t take advantage of you.