Source::AP News
During the week, a major storm that was expected to affect travel in the U.S. and Canada this holiday season left thousands of passengers detained at airports or waiting on line to rebook flights.
According to the flight tracking service FlightAware, more than 4,800 flights into or out of U.S. airports have been canceled as of Friday afternoon.
On Wednesday, Wendell Davis, who plays basketball for a team in France, was supposed to take a flight from Paris to Columbus, Ohio. On Friday, Davis was still at Chicago's O'Hare airport despite numerous cancellations. He considered taking a car to Columbus but decided against it. Instead, he reserved a hotel room for the night before his scheduled Christmas Day flight to Cincinnati.
He laughed and continued, "Everyone's got the same issues right now. We just need to maintain our optimism. Anger won't do us any good at all."
If your flight is canceled, staying composed and being aware of your rights might help a lot, according to experts. Here is some of their guidance on how to handle a canceled flight:
AIRLINE CANCELLED MY FLIGHT. THEN WHAT?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, most airlines will rebook you for free on the following trip as long as it has seats if you still need to go to your destination.
Even though you purchased non-refundable tickets, you are still entitled to a full refund if they decide to cancel the trip. In addition, you are entitled to a refund for any baggage fees, seat selections, or other expenses.
"Travelers are entitled to a reimbursement, not merely credits for future trips," stressed Kurt Ebenhoch, a consumer travel advocate and former airline executive. "If you do decide to use a voucher, be cautious to enquire about any blackout dates or other usage limitations."
IF I CHANGE THE DATE OF MY FLIGHTS, WILL THERE BE A CHANGE FEE?
Due to the storm, major airlines like Delta, American, Southwest, Air Canada, Alaska, Frontier, and Spirit are eliminating change costs, giving customers more flexibility as they modify their plans. Ebenhoch, however, advised passengers to carefully read the fine print. You can be responsible for paying the difference in prices, for instance, if you book a return flight outside of the airline's designated window.
CAN I ASK TO BE BOOKED ON A FLIGHT WITH ANOTHER AIRLINE?
Yes. The DOT states that although airlines are not compelled to transfer you to a flight operated by another airline, they occasionally do so. While you wait to speak with an agent, Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, advises looking into alternative flights. Giving agents options is helpful because they are frequently under a lot of strain when a flight is canceled.
Ebenhoch advises searching for more airports nearby your original location.
DO I HAVE A RIGHT TO RECEIVE A HOTEL ROOM OR OTHER COMPENSATION FROM THE AIRLINE?
No, according to the DOT, every airline has its own procedures for taking care of passengers whose flights are postponed. However, a lot of airlines do have accommodations. So, you could ask their employees.
I HAVE TO WAIT A LONG TIME TO REBOOK. HOW SHOULD I PROCEED?
Use the phone number designated for that level to call the airline, if someone in your flying party has a higher level in a frequent flyer program, advised Ebenhoch. You can also try phoning the airline's foreign helpline, since such representatives have the authority to make modifications.
HOW CAN I STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN?
If you can arrange them, Ebenhoch indicated that morning and nonstop flights are typically the most dependable. He advised thinking about spending the night before at an airport-connected hotel, if you're concerned about arriving at the airport in time for a morning flight. And take into account flying away from popular times. For instance, this year, the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration anticipates heavy traffic on December 30._AP NEWS
Photo Credit: www.jetsetter.com
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