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Viewing How to Avoid and Deal with Unexpected Air Travel SurprisesHow to Avoid and Deal with Unexpected Air Travel Surprises
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No matter how carefully a trip has been planned, an unexpected travel surprise can seriously disrupt it. This article presents several tips that will help you cope and, where possible, avoid problems stemming from these unforeseen travel surprises. By Cheapfares.com No matter how carefully a trip has been planned by exploring all available cheap fares (including airplane tickets), discount hotel rooms, economy auto rentals, and inexpensive vacation packages, an unexpected travel surprise can seriously disrupt that trip. The following are tips that will help you cope and, where possible, avoid problems stemming from travel surprises. • Airlines sometimes cancel nonstop flights with little advance notice and rebook passengers on multi-stop flights. Customers usually pay more for direct flights, yet are not reimbursed when their nonstop flights are switched to flights with connections. If this happens, go online to see if the airline offers other nonstop flights. If not, or if other direct flights are full, depending on the cost of nonstop flights from other airlines, request a refund. • Passengers who fly early in a month are less likely to experience direct flights being replaced with multi-stop flights. This is because at the end of each month, multi-stop flights increase as flight crews reach caps on the number of hours they are allowed to work. By adding a layover to a flight, airlines can bring in a fresh crew to fly the final leg of a trip. • If you purchase a ticket from one airline yet fly on another when two airlines have a code-sharing agreement, it can get confusing as to where to go if a problem arises. If you are at the airport, go to the customer service counter of the airline that took your money. If there is no such counter at your terminal, ask to speak on the phone to the "on-duty airport manager" for the airline that sold you your. • If your flight is cancelled due to factors outside the airline's control (such as weather), you will be responsible for all your meals and if necessary, your hotel room. By being proactive and reserving an early morning flight, you have a full day for the airline to recover from any weather or operational delays. Before purchasing an airline ticket, you might want to visit Flightstats's, website where you can see a flight's statistical average cancellation rate. It might be advisable to buy a ticket on a flight with a lower cancellation rate even if it costs a little more. • If you don't want to be bumped involuntarily, which happens very infrequently, check in via the airline's website as soon as permissible, which is usually 24 hours prior to departure. Early check-in usually increases your chances of making it onto a flight. • Missing a flight can be costly, since last-minute plane tickets can be very expensive and you usually have to pay a $150 to $200 change fee for a domestic flight. The best ways to avoid missing your flight are to arrive early and not carry a bag that needs to be checked. Be aware that some airlines require check-in to be completed 45 minutes prior to departure. • Some passengers face problems fitting in their seats because of either their height or weight. If you fit in one of these categories, check in online 24 hours prior to departure and try to secure an exit row seat. If not available, call the airline and explain your problem and be prepared to purchase an adjacent set if necessary. • If your luggage or personal belongings are damaged, you may qualify to be reimbursed. All claims must be reported within 24 hours, but ideally should be filed while still at the airport. Airlines rarely cover jewelry or electronics missing from luggage. About the Author: Cheapfares.com employees enjoy sharing their travel points of view and latest travel news with others who might share similar interests. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
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