AAA Advice On Airline Travel In Time Of Turmoil

iWalk. April 10th, 2008. Published under Travel News. 119 views. No Comments.

With four airlines ceasing operations since January of this year and three of those occurring within the past 7 days, AAA offers advice for airline travelers.

WSLS report: “Navigating the shrinking skies can be stressful for those who are not prepared for the possibility that their airline may cease to operate before or even during their trip,” according to Martha Mitchell Meade, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Air traveler today need to be better prepared than ever before as delays, lost baggage and even cessation of service are all realities.”

BigSky (January 7, 2008) , Aloha Airlines (April 1, 2008) , ATA Airlines (April 3, 2008) and Skybus (April 7, 2008) have now all terminated services since January of this year.

AAA’s Tips for Airline Travelers

1. USE A CREDIT CARD TO PURCHASE TICKETS - In the event that an airline defaults, the Fair Credit Billing Act ensures that travelers have the right to refuse to pay charges for services not rendered.

2. TRY OTHER AIRLINES - Airlines often accommodate travelers from other airlines for a nominal fee or will waive advance purchase and other ticket requirements in order to help stranded passengers. While this could be on a stand-by basis, the savings can be substantial when shelling out money over and above the original fare. The Department of Transportation no longer requires airlines to honor tickets from other carriers who have ceased operations.

3. MIND TIME LIMITS FOR RESCHEDULING OR REFUNDS - Most airlines will give travelers 60 days to reschedule. Most credit card companies will observe the same time limit.

4. CONSIDER TRAVEL INSURANCE - Purchase insurance which covers an airline default.

5. CONSIDER BOOKING THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENCY – Travel Agents work for the consumer, not the airlines, so if a problem occurs, travel agents will work to make sure their clients get to their desired locations as quickly and efficiently as possible. Small fees may apply for the initial purchase but it will be worth it if something happens.

6. USE FREQUENT TRAVELER POINTS NOW - It is a good idea to try to use frequent flyer points in this time of turmoil for air carriers. While it has become more difficult to find seats using frequent traveler points, they will go in the trash can if the airline isn’t flying.

7. KEEP COPIES OF ALL DOCUMENTATION - Sending original copies when submitting for refunds, etc. will leave you stranded if the paper work gets lost or if you need information from the documents to check on the status of your situation. You may also need to submit to your credit card company and a bankruptcy court.

8. KEEP YOUR COOL - Traveling can be stressful, especially in the case of an airline default. The people at whom you yell may be the same people who would have helped you had you taken a deep breath and been polite.

File From:WSLS

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