◆ For Travellers · when it goes wrong

When it goes wrong

Stuff will go wrong on the road; this is how you turn it into a story instead of a disaster.

90ready prompts
freeto start
~1 mineach
See them ↓All of it

What AI quietly does for you

90 of them — tap, copy, paste
My flight just got cancelledMy flight [airline, flight number] from [origin] to [destination] on [date] was just…+
My flight [airline, flight number] from [origin] to [destination] on [date] was just cancelled. Ask me for all the details you need, then draft a firm but polite message I can send to the airline via chat/email/Twitter asking for: (1) an immediate confirmed alternative, (2) meal and hotel vouchers if entitled, and (3) EU/UK/other compensation if applicable under [country/region] law.
when the reply comes backCheck if they mention specific regulations (EU261, UK261 etc.) and ask the airline for that exact compensation in writing.
Long delay and I’m stuck airsideI’m delayed by [X] hours on [airline] at [airport] with a through ticket to [final…+
I’m delayed by [X] hours on [airline] at [airport] with a through ticket to [final destination]. Explain what rights I likely have to food, hotel and rebooking given my route: [origin–transit–destination, nationalities, ticket type]. Then give me a short script to use at the desk to claim what I’m owed without sounding aggressive.
when the reply comes backUse the script word-for-word at the counter and keep notes of names, times and what they offer or refuse.
Missed connection, airline shrugsI missed my connection on [airline] at [airport] because of a delay on their earlier…+
I missed my connection on [airline] at [airport] because of a delay on their earlier flight. They say I need to buy a new ticket. Given these details: [ticket type, booking reference, how I booked, times of both flights], tell me if I should push back, and write a message I can show them arguing they must rebook me for free.
when the reply comes backIf they still refuse, ask for a written ‘denied rebooking’ note or email to help with later complaints or card chargebacks.
I booked separate tickets and now I’m screwedI booked separate tickets: [flight A details] and [flight B details]. Flight A is delayed…+
I booked separate tickets: [flight A details] and [flight B details]. Flight A is delayed and I’ll likely miss B. I know the airline for A doesn’t owe me much, but show me: (1) the exact order to talk to airline, online travel agent, and insurance; (2) what to say to each; and (3) how to search same-day alternatives cheaply from [current city] to [final destination].
when the reply comes backFollow their order of actions and set a timer so you don’t waste crucial minutes arguing at the wrong counter.
Lost luggage and only excusesMy bag is lost on [airline] from [origin] to [destination], file reference [PIR number].…+
My bag is lost on [airline] from [origin] to [destination], file reference [PIR number]. Step-by-step, tell me what to do in the next 24 hours to maximise my chance of (a) getting the bag back and (b) being reimbursed for essentials. Include exact phrases to use with the airline and a list of receipts I must keep.
when the reply comes backPhotograph every receipt and upload the photos to cloud storage immediately so you don’t lose proof for reimbursement.
Bag delayed and I need clothesMy checked bag is delayed and I have a work/ceremony event in [X] hours. I’m staying at…+
My checked bag is delayed and I have a work/ceremony event in [X] hours. I’m staying at [hotel/host name, city]. Based on [airline, route, my home country], explain what counts as ‘reasonable expenses’ and draft a short note I can send to the airline in advance to pre-empt fights over what I buy.
when the reply comes backBuy simple mid-range items, not luxury; when you claim, attach that pre-emptive note plus receipts for each purchase.
My stuff is actually gone for goodThe airline has admitted my luggage is ‘lost’ after [X] days and offered [amount] in…+
The airline has admitted my luggage is ‘lost’ after [X] days and offered [amount] in compensation. I had [key items, approximate value] inside. Walk me through: (1) how to calculate what they legally owe me under [Montreal Convention/other], (2) how to write a counter-offer email, and (3) what evidence I should attach or dig up.
when the reply comes backInclude screenshots or bank statements proving purchase prices; that’s often what bumps up their first lowball offer.
Airport security took my thingsSecurity at [airport] confiscated [items] from my carry-on. I accept some might be my…+
Security at [airport] confiscated [items] from my carry-on. I accept some might be my fault, but I want to know: could I have legally kept any of these, and is there any realistic way to get them back or be compensated? Use current rules for [country/region], then give me a calm script to ask for a supervisor without escalating.
when the reply comes backIf it’s clearly gone, focus on how to avoid repeats: ask for a simple packing checklist tailored to your usual routes.

Real questions

honest answers

Think in three layers: safety, money, and meaning. Safety trumps everything—if a situation increases your risk of serious harm (violence, medical issues, natural disasters, dangerous transport), that’s your cue to cancel or move, even if it costs money or you miss ‘must-see’ spots. If it’s mainly about money, compare the loss of cancelling with the cost of pushing on (extra stress, potential bigger losses if things escalate). For meaning, ask whether clinging to the original plan will actually feel good, or if adapting could give you a different but still worthwhile story. When in doubt, step somewhere quiet, write the options on paper, and choose the one where your future self is safest and least likely to say, “I knew this was a bad idea, but I went anyway.”

Often, yes—but only in a structured way. Big companies are set up to fend off vague anger and reward clear, documented complaints. If you can show times, dates, booking references, photos, and what you reasonably asked for in the moment, your odds of some refund, credit, or rerouting go up a lot. The trick is to decide how much your time and energy are worth: set a personal limit like “I’ll spend 30 minutes on this and one follow-up email, then stop.” Use written channels over phone calls where possible, lean on specific rights (like EU261 or stated cancellation policies), and aim for concrete outcomes instead of venting. You won’t win every battle, but over a few trips those partial wins can save you serious money.

You prepare for trouble the same way you pack a day bag: a few deliberate things make a big difference. Before you go, store digital copies of your ID, tickets, and bookings in the cloud and offline on your phone. Set up at least two ways to access money (two cards, some emergency cash, maybe a backup account). Download offline maps and key translations for each place. Know where your country’s embassy or consulate is, and bookmark your airline, bank, and insurer’s emergency numbers. Then mentally budget some ‘friction’: build slack into your schedule and don’t spend your last rupee or dollar on day one. Problems will still happen, but instead of scrambling from zero, you’ll be working a plan you already half-built at home.