No matter how carefully a trip has been planned by exploring all available cheap fares, including cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, and cheap vacation packages, an unexpected travel surprise can seriously disrupt that trip.
The following are tips from Budget Travel as to how to cope and where possible, avoid problems stemming from travel surprises:
Airlines sometimes cancel nonstop flights, with little advance notice, and rebook passengers on multi stop flights. Customers usually pay more for direct flights, yet are not reimbursed when their nonstop flights are switched to flights with connections. If this happens, go online to see if the airline offers other nonstop flights. If not, or if other direct flights are full, then depending on the cost of nonstop flights from other airlines, request a refund.
Passengers who fly early in a month are less likely to experience direct flights being replaced with multi stop flights. This is because at the end of each month nonstop flights increase because flight crews reach caps on the number of hours they are allowed to work. By adding a layover to a flight, airlines can bring in a fresh crew to fly the final leg of a trip.
When you purchase a ticket from one airline yet fly on another, because the two airlines have a code sharing agreement, it can get confusing as to where to go if a problem arises. If you are at the airport, go to the customer service counter of the airline that took your money. If there is no such counter at your terminal, ask to speak on the phone to the On-duty airport manager for the airline which sold you your ticket for help.
If your flight is cancelled due to factors outside the airlines control, such as weather, you will be responsible to pay for all your meals and if necessary, your hotel room. By being proactive and reserving an early morning flight you have a full day for the airline to recover from any weather or operational delays. Before purchasing an airline ticket you may want to visit flightstatss website where you can see a flights statistical average cancellation rate. It may be advisable to buy a ticket on a flight with a lower cancellation rate even if it costs a little more.
If you dont want to involuntarily be bumped, which happens very infrequently, check in via the airlines website as soon as permissible, which is usually 24 hours prior to departure. Early check in usually increases your chances of making it onto a flight.
Missing a flight can be costly since last minute plane tickets can be very expensive and you usually have to pay between $150 to $200 change fee for a domestic flight change. The best ways to avoid missing your flight are to arrive early and not carry a bag that needs to be checked. Be aware that some airlines are requiring check in to be completed 45 minutes prior to departure.
Some passengers face problems fitting in their seats because of either their height or weight. If you fit in one of these categories, check in online 24 hours prior to departure and try to secure an exit row seat. If not available, call the airline and explain your problem and be prepared to purchase an adjacent set if necessary.
If your luggage or personal belonging are damaged, you may qualify to be reimbursed. All claims must be reported within 24 hours, but ideally should be filed while still at the airport. Airlines rarely cover jewelry or electronics missing from luggage. www.cheapfares.com