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One
of the busiest times of the year for air travel - summer - is also a
time when many airline passengers may risk being bumped from their flights. For many, the prospect of being bumped is frustrating at best, and for those who are unaware of their rights, the results can be
maddening, not to mention costly. Add to that ever-changing, stricter security rules and new passport requirements and
travel can seem daunting. With this in mind, ASTA has prepared a list of tips to help summer travelers stay calm, cool and
collected.
What You Need to Know
to Avoid Being Bumped
- Get an advance seat assignment. Passengers with seat assignments are typically only bumped if they arrive late and their seat assignment is
released.
- Check-in online. If you do not have an advance seat assignment, or you want to change your seat assignment, check-in online. Most airlines
allow you to do so within 24 hours of departure. Seat assignments that were not available at the time of ticketing may be available when checking
in online.
- Don’t be late. If all else fails, get to the airport early. Some airlines reserve a portion of their seat assignment inventory for airport check-in. If you
are denied a seat assignment at check-in, put your name on the standby seat assignment
list asap.
If you are bumped or wish to take advantage of
the airline’s request that you give up your seat:
- Know the lingo. Voluntary bumping occurs when a passenger with a confirmed seat assignment agrees to give up his seat for negotiated
compensation. It is not regulated by the DOT. Involuntary bumping occurs when an airline forcibly bumps a paid passenger from a flight because
it has been oversold. The DOT regulates compensation for involuntary bumping.
- Know what questions to ask. If you volunteer to give up your seat in response to an airline offer of a free ticket, it is important passengers ask
about restrictions. Ask about expiration and blackout dates, such as holidays.
- Know your rights. If you are involuntarily denied boarding, and substitute transportation is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one
and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay
an amount equal to your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $200 maximum. If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more
than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the compensation
doubles (twice the cost of your fare, $400 maximum). The amounts and
liability may differ depending on the airline, country where the ticket
was purchased, and departing airport.
Finally
check
all the latest new security regulations
in the country of arrival and departure. There are now many, very strict
restrictions on what can be carried on-board an aircraft and in what
quantity, see: International
Baggage Restrictions.
See
other recent news regarding:
ASTA,
Travel
Tips, Airports,
Security,
Airlines,
Aviation
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