Air Travel Hassles
Plan and organize better than Martha Stewart, and you still might find yourself enduring some frustration during your travel. Several things may happen that are totally out of your control.
For instance, your flight may be delayed or even cancelled. Cancelled? How dare they? I paid through the nose for this ticket!! Well, this happens more frequently than you might think. Most of the time, you’ll be rebooked on the next available flight, without having to pay extra.
Be sure to ask if the airline will cover your meals, hotel and phone calls. They’re not obligated to pay for these things by law, so you need to ask.
Your flight may be overbooked. This sometimes happens as many airlines overbook their flights in case of folks who don’t show up. The airline will ask for volunteers first, to be bumped off the flight, usually in exchange for another ticket. Sometimes, though, you can get bumped off a flight even if you don’t want to!
You do have some protection by law, however. If you’re unable to reach your final destination within an hour of your pre-determined arrival time, the airline may be responsible for coughing up some cash. The rules are that you have to have a reserved confirmation and have checked-in on time. You may be offered a compensatory ticket, but you actually have the legal right to ask for a check.
Your luggage could go on a round trip of its own - without you. Believe me, this one is no fun, and it happens frequently.
You’ll need to file a report about your lost luggage before you leave the airport. Get a copy of this report along with the name of the person with whom you spoke. Ask if the bag will be delivered to you and if you are entitled to fees so you can buy necessities. Then hang on to your receipts in case you’re offered reimbursement.
The airline will pay up to $1250 or so on lost luggage(It depends). If you’re planning on taking super expensive items with you, consider other insurance on the items.
You luggage may not look the same when you get to your destination. Usually the airline will pay to repair your luggage if it’s damaged in flight. If you packed things poorly though, and there’s a problem, it could just end up being “your” problem. Always pack valuables in a carry on.
Luckily, most flights run close to schedule and your bags end up in your hands before you leave the airport. But for those times when your luck runs out, it’s nice to know you have some options!
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