I read some useful tips and reminders in Costco.com’s Consumer Connection provided by consumer advocate David Horowitz. Because of the amount of time I spend on the road and likely you do too, I am repeating them here. There are more in the archives on Costco.com. Enter “Connection” at Online Edition then search “David Horowitz”. That is the source of the below questions to ask your airline representative before you need them:
- What types of in-airport vouchers do you offer in the event of a canceled or delayed flight?
- What is your rebooking procedure in the event that a flight is canceled?
- Who are your partner airlines and do they have seats available in the event of a canceled or delayed flight?
- Are you able to provide trip vouchers for future travel as compensation for my inconvenience?
- If I am stuck in a particular location, what are your policies with respect to hotels, food and transportation?
This one is from personal experience: If you happen to miss a flight, attempt to rebook within one or two hours to another flight. Ask about the “flat tire rule”.
“The so-called “flat tire rule” is just an informal understanding within some of the major airlines that if you should arrive late for your flight — but not more than two hours late — due to some event you really couldn’t avoid (like, say, a flat tire), they’ll consider putting you on the next flight to your destination on standby without paying a rebooking fee or the difference in the fares” (Source: Airefarewatchdog).
I learned about this informal policy from the travel agency that booked my flight and IT WORKED. I was thrilled as I was able to get home in time for my flight out the next day to another engagement.
I don’t know about you but I appreciate Southwest Airlines not charging for baggage or change fees. Do you think the other carriers will follow suit?
Do you have travel tips to share with other road warriors and fun-time travelers? Please provide them and I’ll be happy to share (and use) them. Tips received so far are below.
Alethea Session, Travel tidbit: Did you know airplanes have powerports? My motto is “Know before you go”. Check out airlines with powerports and find a seat with this option at http://www.seatguru.com/articles/in-seat_laptop_power.php Carla D Washington, MBA These are extremely helpful tips.
