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Most of us take for granted that our airline travel
will take us where we want to go at the scheduled time
without hassles. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case.
You might want to be prepared for what to expect if your
airline cancels your flight or is late and causes to you
miss connections.
I recommend that you check Web site <onetravel.com> and
click on the "Rules of the Air" icon. You can print
information about 16 different problems that might occur
with the specific airline you'll be flying.
One of the most misunderstood travel policies covers
the responsibility of the airline if your flight is canceled
or delayed and you miss connections. Because so many people
in Colorado use United and Continental, I'll use those
airlines as examples. Rule 240 addresses the problem of
missing a flight for both airlines.
If a schedule irregularity causes you to miss a flight,
United must confirm you on their next flight with available
space at no additional cost. If the alternative is not
acceptable to you, you have the right to be confirmed on the
flight of a different airline at no additional cost. If no
alternate flight (United or another airline) is acceptable
to you, United must refund your money -- even if you have a
nonrefundable ticket. Sometimes airline agents suggest you
keep the ticket and use it within a year. It might work
better for you in the long run to get the refund now.
Continental has a somewhat different policy. They will
also try to confirm you on their next flight. If the delay
to your destination exceeds two hours and an alternative
flight is not acceptable to you, you may request to be
confirmed on the flight of another airline at no additional
cost. Continental's Rule 240 does not require them to refund
a nonrefundable ticket, even if they cancel your flight.
In the past, flyers who were inconvenienced could often
expect meals and hotel accommodations if they were stuck due
to a missed connection or canceled flight. These provisions
are not covered by Rule 240. If you do receive such
services, it is because of the airlines' customer service
policies.
Always travel with a copy of the rules. Try to
negotiate services on the basis of being a good customer.
More next week.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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