Thanksgiving is the biggest (and most problematic) travel holiday, especially when it comes to jetting.
You’ve called around to friends who have shares in net jets for a lift but sigh, they have no room, and it looks like you’re going to have to fly commercial.
Airlines notoriously overbook and sell more seats then are available on flights which often results in you losing your seat or the affectionate term, “getting bumped.”
What’s a Jet Setter to do?
Follow these 4 tips when booking your ticket:
1) Fly nonstop or with the least amount of connections possible
2) Fly early in the day (so if you do get bumped you’ll have a variety of options the remainder of the day)
3) Try to get a seat assignment when you book your flight
4) Confirm your reservation and verify that the airline has all the correct information
The morning of your travel date, check the weather conditions along your intended route, this is the biggest cause of delayed and cancelled flights, which fill up seats on other flights, and can cause you to be bumped.
Early bird catches the (bulkhead) seat! Getting to the airport early has so many advantages:
- Ask about the flight when your checking your bags in (remember: Jet Setters don’t check).
- If the flight is overbooked forgo the bloodies at the bar and go directly to the gate; checking in alone isn’t always enough to guarantee you a seat.
- Increase your chances of more legroom by being one of the first to request bulkhead or an exit row.
There is no such thing as fashionably late when it comes to jetting! Board when your row is called. If you delay, they might think your seat is open and board a standby passenger in your place, egads!
“Ladies and Gentleman may I have your attention; Ms. Jenny Von Jet, please report to Gate 8A”
Uh-oh, looks like Jenny is going to be bumped. She followed the rules above but was selected anyway.
Now what?
By law, the airlines are required to compensate people who have been bumped against their will (there is voluntary bumping, but that’s a whole other article) due to overbooking.
- Ask for a written statement. By law, the airline must provide you with this statement.
Compensation depends on the price of the tickets and the length of the delay.
- If you are part of their frequent flier program you are entitled to immediate payment.
However, if you are not a frequent flyer here is what your compensation options are:
- There is no compensation if you are scheduled to reach your destination within one hour of the original time by way of an alternate flight.
- If the alternate flight will arrive between one and two hours of the original time, you will be paid the amount equal to one fare; the maximum is $200.
May the force be with you and Happy Jetting!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
better yet, give a great compliment to the flight rep – and you’ll get bumped up! Done it and it can work:) People love a good smile, a nice suit, and a ‘wow did anyone ever tell you…. but you gotta mean it.. don’t throw it out there – if there’s no connection.