 | Lawana Esch is the manager at Holiday Inn Express in Miami, OK and Pittsburg KS. For more information please call 918-542-7424 or 877-863-4780. |
Travel
2012-10-03 10:06:17
How do I avoid problems at the airlines?
Q- We are planning to do some traveling on and off over the next 6 months. Not having done any real travel before, can you give us some advice on avoiding problems at the airport?
A- We all have heard the horror stories of 6 hour delays on the tarmac or unexpected layovers and think that those are the exception in travel, or such things could never happen to us. While the horror stories you hear on the news really are the exception to the rule, travel does often involve some unexpected problems.
First, one of the best ways to avoid any issues at the airport is being prepared. Know the lay out of the airport, have your tickets ready, and know the carry on luggage policy. Also, know what you can or cannot take in your luggage to avoid added time in searches.
Next, read the airline's contract of carriage. This is the list of ticket rules found on the airline's website, which you as a traveler are obliged to follow. It also contains valuable information on what the airline will or will not provide under certain circumstances. While it seems like a waste of time reading a litany of rules, not knowing these rules can wreck havoc on your travel plans.
One of the biggest mistakes passengers make is in assuming the airline's responsibility to them. For example, if weather causes an unexpected layover, many people believe that the airline is obliged to provide food or lodging, or provide full refunds. Neither of these things may be true for your airline of choice.
In fact, many passengers are surprised to find out that if there is a long delay on the tarmac that extends the trip by hours and into mealtime, the airline may not be obliged to provide a meal on the flight. Others are astonished to know the reasons a person can be kicked off a flight, or policies regarding alternative transportation. It pays to read the fine print.
While most of the time you will experience very little hassle, it is important to know the airline's rules and regulations before you board should you encounter anything you find unreasonable or unfair. Many times dealing with the problem in the moment results in a better resolution than waiting until you return home.
Traveling can be stressful. However, the best way to get to your destination with the fewest number of delays and unexpected problems is by being prepared.
