BBB of
WESTERN MICHIGAN, INC
CONSUMER ARTICLE
Issued: 05-03-2011
Contact: Ken Vander Meeden
616-774-8236 or Email: bbbceo@iserv.net
www.bbb.org
BBB
Travel Tips to Ensure
a Safe and Timely Flight
With
summer just around the corner, many consumers are beginning to plan their vacation getaway. While dreaming of island sun, many
travelers fail to factor in the uncertainties that come with flying, such as unpredictable
weather patterns, aviation system issues, maintenance or crew problems into
their travel plans. BBB, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation, are
advising vacationers to plan ahead when traveling this summer to ensure safety
and timeliness.
“To avoid troubles
in the sky, it’s important for travelers to be aware of their flight options,” said Ken Vander
Meeden, President, BBB of Western Michigan. “With
the burden and chaos that can come from a delayed or cancelled flight, it’s
important for travelers to plan ahead and know their options.”
The
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) advises consumers to be proactive when
it comes to planning a getaway trip. According to Bureau of Transportation’s
2011 Statistics, 25.5 percent of all flights were reported to be not on time.
BBB
and the U.S. Department of Transportation advise travelers to do the following
when booking and securing their flights this summer:
The
early bird gets the flight. When booking your flight, remember that a departure early in the day is less
likely to be delayed than a later flight, due in part to the “ripple” effects
of delays throughout the day. Also, if an early flight does get delayed or
canceled, you may have more rerouting options. If you book the last
flight of the day and it is canceled, you could get stuck overnight.
Know
your rights with a canceled flight. If your flight is canceled,
most airlines will rebook you on their next flight to your destination on which
space is available, at no additional charge. If this involves a significant
delay, find out if another carrier has seats and ask the first airline to
endorse your ticket to that carrier. Unfortunately, compensation is required by
law only when you are “bumped” from a flight that is oversold. Airlines almost
always refuse to pay passengers for financial losses resulting from a delayed
flight.
Secure your
payment.
Consider paying by credit card, which provides certain protections under
Federal credit regulations. For example, in all recent airline bankruptcies
passengers who had charged their fare and were not provided service were able
to have their credit card company credit their account for the amount of the
fare.
For
more travel tips, visit www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-travel.