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Original poster

Help! DD stranded in Madeira, can't find anywhere to stay

111 replies

redskydelight · 06/07/2025 22:28

Hopefully someone might have an idea we haven't ...
DD and her boyfriend were meant to fly home from Madeira today but the flights were all cancelled due to winds. The airline has stated force majeure and won't help. We managed to book them hotel room, but when they got there, they said no rooms left ... everywhere else is gone. I've told DD to get herself somewhere warm and safe so she is sitting in Mcdonalds googling with some others also frantically hunting for rooms ...

don't know what to suggest and she's starting to panic (she's 19 and her boyfriend has never been away without family before so no help).

OP posts:
CatsLikeBoxes · 06/07/2025 22:29

Travel insurance might be able to help?

Eyesopenwideawake · 06/07/2025 22:29

It's not the worst thing in the world to stay in MacDonalds all night. A story to tell (her) grandchildren one day.

KnickerlessFlannel · 06/07/2025 22:30

Can't she stay at the airport? I know it won't be the most comfortable but she'll be warm inside with loos etc

Minecroft · 06/07/2025 22:30

Oh crap. Take it she didn’t have a package holiday?

has she looked at options like hostels and home stays?

WeirdyBeardyMarrowBabyLady · 06/07/2025 22:31

It’s very common in Madeira and tbh most people just stay at the airport (they hand out sleeping mats) until the wind dies down.

landlordhell · 06/07/2025 22:31

No panic. Just stay at the airport. She is with her bf. The airport has toilets and cafes and security.

LiftyLift · 06/07/2025 22:31

Google AI hotels suggests there is availability, but these might be too far. She can try putting her location in and asking for anything nearby

Help! DD stranded in Madeira, can't find anywhere to stay
coxesorangepippin · 06/07/2025 22:31

Stop at airport???

minnienono · 06/07/2025 22:32

Best place to be is the airport, basic but safe

Original poster
redskydelight · 06/07/2025 22:32

Eyesopenwideawake · 06/07/2025 22:29

It's not the worst thing in the world to stay in MacDonalds all night. A story to tell (her) grandchildren one day.

Sadly it shuts at 1 or I would suggest

OP posts:
Original poster
redskydelight · 06/07/2025 22:32

coxesorangepippin · 06/07/2025 22:31

Stop at airport???

They left the airport because they thought they had a hotel booking, guess they might have to go back ...

OP posts:
Original poster
redskydelight · 06/07/2025 22:33

LiftyLift · 06/07/2025 22:31

Google AI hotels suggests there is availability, but these might be too far. She can try putting her location in and asking for anything nearby

Yes, she's done that. There is a lot showing as available online, but not when yo actually speak to them ...

OP posts:
TokyoSushi · 06/07/2025 22:33

She’s probably best to just go to the airport and wait there, hope she’s home soon!

landlordhell · 06/07/2025 22:33

Yes go back . They won’t be the only ones. See upthread someone said they give out sleeping mats as it’s a common occurrence.

LiftyLift · 06/07/2025 22:34

If she looks at google maps, there is a feature to filter by hotels that are available. Looks to me like there are a lot from that.

4forksache · 06/07/2025 22:34

You need to help her alter her mindset and see this as an adventure. A tale to tell later on.

It’s not too bad sleeping in an airport. Make sure she keeps valuables safe by attaching rucksack to body and sleeping on top of it.

Eyesopenwideawake · 06/07/2025 22:36

Most will be closed for new guests now. Tell her to look for the sing-a-long video from a chocka Faro airport (Sweet Caroline) to make her laugh!

KaitlynnFairchild · 06/07/2025 22:38

Another vote for returning to the airport and finding a space to catch some sleep with her boyfriend, they can take turns to sleep.

Berlinlover · 06/07/2025 22:44

What airline was she flying with? I was supposed to fly to Madeira today with Ryanair but my flight was cancelled. Some people chose to go home but for those of us who remained in the airport Ryanair are putting us up in hotels for the night.

Original poster
redskydelight · 06/07/2025 22:46

Berlinlover · 06/07/2025 22:44

What airline was she flying with? I was supposed to fly to Madeira today with Ryanair but my flight was cancelled. Some people chose to go home but for those of us who remained in the airport Ryanair are putting us up in hotels for the night.

Easyjet.
They have been rubbish by all accounts. DD is not booked on a flight home now until Wednesday, but I think there will more options for tomorrow and Tuesday, particularly if she travels further out (which I don't think she should do at this time today).

OP posts:
Baital · 06/07/2025 22:52

Stay at the airport. She might not get much sleep or be very comfortable, but will be safe.

A story for the grandchildren one day, when they think granny is dull and unadventurous!

I spent various uncomfortable nights in train or bus stations back in the day...

IReallyLoveItHere · 06/07/2025 23:07

It's normal to just stay at airport, but I understand why she left and they might not let her back in now.

If she's not flying back til midweek now they'll have to find an all night cafe or bar then travel out to wherever you manage to book tomorrow morning.

This happens all the time everywhere, just have to roll with it.

Original poster
redskydelight · 06/07/2025 23:11

Well some good news. There is an extra flight to the UK been put on tomorrow and DD has managed to get them seats on that (and it's actually flying to an airport that's much closer to us). So they will camp out at the airport tonight and (hopefully) be on the flight home soon enough. Phew! DD said there were loads of people rallying round trying to help them out which is really nice to hear - guess everyone was in the same position.

OP posts:
notanothersummercold · 06/07/2025 23:13

redskydelight · 06/07/2025 23:11

Well some good news. There is an extra flight to the UK been put on tomorrow and DD has managed to get them seats on that (and it's actually flying to an airport that's much closer to us). So they will camp out at the airport tonight and (hopefully) be on the flight home soon enough. Phew! DD said there were loads of people rallying round trying to help them out which is really nice to hear - guess everyone was in the same position.

Glad she's OK and will be home soon x

Crazyworldmum · 06/07/2025 23:49

Airbnb