Over sales cancellations bumps delays and winter weather heading our way

Photo courtesy of  Askpang.com

Now that we are officially into October, travelers that want to see the world in it’s winter coat maybe forced to deal with flights being over sold and passengers being bumped, flight cancellations, and delays. The number of passengers being bumped from flights is already up by 40 percent in the last 14 years, and this is a trend that will continue to progressively worsen as more flights are cancelled this fall by airline carriers who are concerned that the decrease in business travel will lead to deficits resulting in financial crisis.

Naturally with the change of the leaves comes the promise of Jack frost who will be nipping at our wings, and keeping some of our flights bound to the ground. This can result in heavy delays,  cancelled trips, as well as insecurities about travel.

Here is a quick guide on your rights as a passenger should you become one of the unlucky ones who have either been bumped, or you booked a flight that was delayed or cancelled.

In Advance-
When booking your flight, consider taking the earliest flight available in the morning. These flights are most likely to depart on time.
If your flight requires a lay over, consider the connecting flight location seriously. During winter months, opt for a lay over in the South instead of the North when possible.
using the internet, check in for your flight 24 hours in advance, if you are not able to obtain a boarding pass or seating assignment, this could very well mean you are at risk for being bumped. Arrive at the airport early.
If severe weather is expected within 24 hours of your flight, attempt to reach the airline carrier as early as possible. This enables you to rebook the flights sooner and being more likely to actually obtain a flight within your ideal travel time frame.
Be certain that airline carriers have a contact number in order to reach you in case your flight changes
 

Photo courtesy of Freedigitalphotos.com 

If your flight is cancelled-
If your flight is cancelled, your options will vary based on the cause of the cancellation.  Remember that ticket agents hold the discretionary power to book you on another flight and or offer meal and hotel vouchers. Be patient, and smile in order to get what you need.
If your flight is cancelled know your rights. You are entitled to a full refund if you wish to cancel your trip and begin again on another date (even if you’ve purchased a non-refundable ticket).
The airline is responsible to book you on the next flight with available seats open. During holidays or travel heavy seasons, this may not always be a short time frame. Be sure to ask the ticketing agent to check for flights on another carrier.
You’re in the check in line when your flight is cancelled. Using your cell phone, call the airlines 1-800 number. There is a good chance you will get service over the phone before you get it by standing in line. If the call wait time is excessive, you can try to ‘accidentally’ use the auto prompt to select the international ticket option, those lines are usually much less busy and are staffed with senior representatives. 

Your flight is delayed-
During the event of “force majeure” -or circumstances which are out of the airline carriers control, such as weather, the airline is under no legal obligation to provide support services. Most airlines will however provide a meal voucher for flights delayed longer than 4 hours.
Be proactive. If you‘re facing a long delay, ask the ticket agent if it might be possible to reroute, find a new connecting flight, an upgrade to get booked onto a new flight, or simply for a meal voucher if it has been hours since your last meal.

Your flight is over sold/over booked-
There are specific obligations an airline carrier has in the event that you are “Denied Boarding” . First, you get a passenger bill of rights. If the airline can get you to your destination within one hour of your original arrival time, they are not obligated to provide any monetary compensation. For arrivals delayed over 1 hour,  and up to 2 hours the compensation will be a maximum of $400. Arrivals delayed by more than 2 hours the compensation is a maximum of $800. If however, the plane you are scheduled to fly is 30 passengers or less, there is no compensation. If you are traveling internationally from the USA, the compensation maximums double. Flights returning from Europe will follow EU compensation guidelines.
Before bumping passengers, airline carriers will ask for volunteers to sacrifice their seats first. Here are some variables to consider before volunteering your seat:
Do you have checked luggage? If yes, how will the airline reassure you that your bags will be looked after at your destination before you arrive?
Can a seat be confirmed for you on a later flight?
Are they offering a voucher for future travel or cash? If it’s a voucher, what are the restrictions, black out dates, advance booking requirements, deadline for use, can it be redeemed online or only at an airport?  I suggesting opting for cash if possible.
Ask for an additional meal coupon, phone call vouchers, hotel room or a pass to the VIP lounge.   

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