Hello everyone,
During her recent trip to the United States, Ms. Shena encountered quite a few unexpected challenges — from cancelled flights and missed connections to being scammed while taking the bus. So in this post, she will share her tips on how to deal with flight delays or missed flights, what to do if your hotel booking is non-refundable, and how to avoid scams when travelling in the US.
What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed or Missed?
Flight Delay
Unfortunately, just five minutes after leaving home for the airport, I received a notification that my flight had been temporarily delayed. Since I was already on the way, I decided to continue to the airport and check the situation in person.
After waiting in line for nearly 20 minutes, I finally met an Air New Zealand staff member. The delay was due to a medical emergency, and, to make matters worse, it was the last flight of the day to Auckland to connect with my onward flight to the US. They advised me to check with Jetstar for any remaining seats, but by then, other passengers had already purchased those tickets. I was unlucky and had no choice but to return home, stay the night, and catch the next day’s flight to San Francisco with a connection to Las Vegas — instead of Los Angeles as originally planned.
The airline provided support for passengers without local accommodation, covering hotel or taxi costs. When I got home, I realised I had effectively lost one full day, so I called the airline to request extending my return ticket by two days. To my surprise, they agreed without charging any additional fees.
Lesson learned: If your flight is delayed, don’t hesitate to request a date change or rebooking. Airlines generally accommodate without extra charges in these situations.
Missed Flight
I had booked a connecting flight from San Francisco to Las Vegas with Air New Zealand, which meant I didn’t need to re-check in after arriving in the US. However, the immigration process took over 2.5 hours, causing me to miss my connection.
Upon arrival, all passengers had to scan their visas, provide fingerprints, and collect a printed slip before queuing again for a border officer to stamp the passport. The officer simply asked me basic questions — where I was going, how much money I was carrying, and how long I intended to stay. They didn’t ask for proof of return flights or hotel reservations. After clearing immigration, I collected my luggage and followed the signs for connecting flights.
Before entering the domestic departure lounge, there was another round of security screening, by which point I knew I had long missed my flight. Still, I calmly went to the customer service desk, explained that I had missed my flight due to long immigration lines, and they rebooked me on the next available flight — at no extra cost.
Note: About 500 meters before the connecting flight counter, there’s a designated baggage drop area for transferring luggage directly, so you don’t need to re-check it yourself.
How to Change or Cancel a Hotel Booking in the US
I had booked a non-refundable, non-changeable hotel room on Hotels.com. Because of the flight delay, I arrived one day later than planned. I sent them an email explaining the situation, not expecting much, but to my surprise, they refunded me for the unused night — even though I hadn’t asked for it.
Tip: If you find yourself in a similar situation, always try emailing the booking platform. You might be luckier than you expect.
Being Left Behind by a Greyhound Bus in the US
I travelled with Greyhound, a popular bus company covering almost the entire US, with routes extending to Mexico and Canada. The advantage is its wide coverage, but the downside is long check-in requirements (at least one hour before departure), frequent delays, and unpredictable incidents.
Important note: At rest stops, passengers must return on time. Even being one minute late can mean the bus leaves without you. The driver will not wait or check if you are back on board.
Always take your personal belongings (bags, jackets, backpacks) with you when stepping off the bus — leave only your locked luggage in the undercarriage. Otherwise, you risk losing them if left behind. I learned this the hard way when I lost a jacket after being left at a rest stop.
On my trip from Los Angeles to San Jose, the bus departed two hours late. At the stop, the driver announced a 20-minute break. A few of us returned a minute late, only to watch the bus pull away. Some passengers had left bags — even passports and cash — on board, causing panic.
In such cases, stay calm and call the Greyhound hotline to check the next available bus, which usually arrives within a few hours. Unfortunately, buses do not turn back, so your only options are to wait or hitchhike. After asking around for over an hour, I was lucky enough to get a ride with a kind American truck driver who dropped me at the final station.
Avoiding Scams in Las Vegas
If you want to book a Grand Canyon tour, the safest way is to purchase directly from Gray Line’s official website. Be cautious when booking through independent agents in hotels — many are scams.
Here’s what happened to me: At the hotel lobby, a sales agent (not part of the hotel) offered me a Grand Canyon tour for USD 180. He claimed that if I attended a 45-minute travel seminar the next day, the price would drop to USD 100, with bonuses including USD 100 in casino credit, two free hotel nights, and various dining discounts. It sounded like a great deal, so I agreed and paid in cash.
The next day, the “seminar” turned into a 2.5-hour timeshare-style pitch by TLC Resort Vacations. They promised 5-star hotels worldwide for a fraction of the cost — USD 245 per week instead of USD 3000, plus thousands of other “benefits.” The catch? A membership fee of nearly USD 10,000, payable over four years.
They almost convinced me, but when I pointed out that their supposed “5-star hotels” in New Zealand were in fact motels (since real hotels there always have kitchens and separate living areas), I backed out. Once they realised I wasn’t convinced, they ended the pitch immediately.
Warning: Many people fall into this trap. Always research carefully and avoid handing over money to companies you don’t recognise.
SEE More :
A Day in Los Angeles: Best Things to Do, Eat, and See
Road Trip Around New Zealand: A Visit to Taupo and Huka Falls
Essential Backpacking Tips for Exploring Sydney, Australia
Inside MIT – Exploring the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the USA
Oahu Circle Island Tour Guide – Top Hawaii Travel Tips
Travel Experience in Hawaii: Pearl Harbor
Road Trip Around New Zealand: Rotorua
Wellington Hotel Review – Best Places to Stay in New Zealand’s Capital
Singapore Travel Guide: People, Culture, and Unique City Experiences
