Dealing with Airline and Flight Problems
Flight Delay Compensation, Excess Baggage Fees and Overbooked Flight
Oct 24, 2009
Airline problems can be mere annoyances or can ruin carefully laid travel plans. Everything from airline delays to excess baggage fees affects travelers worldwide. Here are some things passengers can do to ease the strain of airline issues on domestic and international flights.
Getting Flight Delay Compensation for Airline Delays
Airlines delay flights for many reasons from weather to mechanical problems to unexpected events. But no matter who takes the blame, getting flight delay compensation is one of the few good things about having to wait.
Travelers often put up with airline delays and don't do much more than complain. But a savvy passenger asks for compensation, even if they have flight delay or cancellation insurance that will cover the costs. Asking for something specific, such as a seat upgrade or an airline voucher, often gets better results than leaving it up to the desk clerk to decide what to give a stranded traveler.
To avoid needing flight delay compensation in the first place, travelers should check the weather before they leave home and check the flight status with an online flight tracker. Even before that, it is a good idea to research the particular flight's on-time record, easily obtainable by calling the airline or booking agent, and choosing a flight with a history of being on time.
Dealing with Flight Cancellations
Flight cancellations occur less frequently than delays, but they can be a much bigger hassle, especially if alternate flights are already overbooked.
The best solution for flight cancellations is to anticipate them in advance. Smart travelers develop alternative plans in case of cancellation, researching local hotels beforehand. Flight cancellation insurance is another way travelers can protect themselves from airlines cancelling a flight.
Handling Overbooked Flights
Overbooked flights can lead to frustrated passengers and travel delays, but airline customers do have options when dealing with overbooking. The first line of defense against overbooked flights is early check in. Passengers who are first in the check-in line or who have checked in online have a much lower chance of being bumped. Insisting on compensation if bumped is reasonable, and domestic airlines are often required to give some sort of compensation.
Avoiding Excess Baggage Fees and Beating the Baggage Allowance
Avoiding excess baggage fees is a hot topic now that airlines all around the world, but especially in the U.S. and Europe, are charging more than ever for going over the baggage allowance. Weighing suitcases before heading to the airport is one way to ensure that bags are within the acceptable limits. For travelers who discover at the airport that one bag is slightly overweight, it's possible to avoid excess baggage fees by simply rearranging the contents there at the check in counter. Moving one pound of baggage from a checked suitcase to a carry on can save a passenger from paying excess baggage fees.
While there are a lot of restrictions for carry on luggage, especially TSA restrictions in the U.S.and local security restrictions in other countries or regions, some of these are more flexible than many travelers realize. Often, the baggage allowance for carry on luggage allows one bag and one personal item. But most people can get away with two small personal items in addition to their carry on suitcase, such as a laptop and purse or camera bag.
Lost Luggage and Baggage Delays
After the flight is over, lost luggage and baggage delays can make even a dream flight seem like a travel nightmare. Airline customers who can't find their bags should immediately contact the lost luggage desk in baggage claim to see if their suitcases are delayed. Providing detailed information on where to send found bags and specific features that make the bags stand out from other travelers' luggage, such as colorful tags or stickers placed on suitcases, can be helpful in getting the lost luggage back as quickly as possible.
Whatever the airline problem, travelers should remember that there are solutions available. As a precautionary measure, travelers should keep the airline's toll free number on them when they fly. That way, any problems encountered can be dealt with via a quick phone call to the airline instead of with a long wait standing in line with all of the other frustrated passengers trying to get answers from an overworked desk clerk.
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