May Day Holiday Travel Scam Prevention Guide: Coping with Flight Cancellations and Hotel Overbooking

Last week a friend complained to me that he booked May Day flights, only to be told three days before departure that the flight was cancelled. He had to rebook on short notice and spent an extra 800 yuan.

This kind of thing has happened to people around me more than once. With the May Day holiday approaching, travel peaks are here. According to Tuniu’s booking data, May Day period domestic packaged travel product bookings increased 10% year-over-year, with self-driving tour product bookings up over 50%.

More travelers means higher chances of running into problems. Today I’ll organize the most common May Day travel traps and how to prevent them.

Trap #1: Sudden Flight Cancellations

Recently, netizens posted on social platforms about having their May Day international flights cancelled, with affected flights mainly on Southeast Asia and Oceania routes.

How to prevent?

First, check the airline’s app daily after booking to confirm flight status. Second, try to choose flights from major airlines, which have relatively lower cancellation rates. Third, connecting flights are more flexible than direct flights.

What if you actually encounter a cancellation? Contact airline customer service immediately and demand free rebooking or refunds. Don’t pay out of pocket to rebook yourself first.

Trap #2: Hotel Overbooking

Hotel overbooking is frankly quite nasty. You booked in advance, yet upon arrival you’re told there are no rooms.

How to prevent?

First, when booking hotels, choose those with free cancellation policies. Second, if the front desk says no rooms are available, demand they contact other hotels and cover the price difference — that’s their responsibility. Third, keep all booking documentation.

Trap #3: Additional Fees from Tour Groups

Some budget tour groups look cheap but actually add charges throughout the trip.

How to prevent?

Remember: there’s no such thing as a free lunch. If a tour group’s price is significantly below market rates, there’s definitely something fishy.

Trap #4: Queuing Two Hours at Internet-Famous Restaurants

During May Day holidays, queuing at internet-famous restaurants is inevitable. But some people queue for two hours only to find the food is just okay.

How to prevent?

First check authentic reviews on Dianping or Xiaohongshu, don’t just look at promotions.

A Money-Saving Tip

If you’re planning a self-driving trip for May Day, check parking fees at your destination city in advance. Parking at some popular scenic spots can cost over 100 yuan per day. But parking further away and taking a taxi might actually be cheaper.