✈️ How to avoid problems with airlines: 15 tips
Vacation is not always just about pleasant experiences, relaxing on the beach and peace of mind. Sometimes circumstances interfere with our plans and the most anticipated part of the year turns into solving problems. We figured out what troubles threaten to befall us during air travel, how to avoid them and what to do if they happen.
Change of plans, means the ticket is gone?
To save money, plane tickets are most often booked in advance. In the event of force majeure, unlike a bus or an air ticket, you cannot just hand over your ticket. What to do? There are several options.
Buy tickets from Flex or Semi flex tariffs
If you are not sure that your plans are “iron,” I advise you to take preventive measures to protect your investments. One of them is the choice of a “flexible” fare when purchasing a ticket.
The cheapest tickets are usually sold on Promo / Light fares. But such tickets cannot be returned or changed.
The next Semi flex fare (it may be called differently depending on the airline) is usually 25% more expensive. However, you can change your departure dates without penalty. The Flex fare will completely avoid losses even if you cancel your ticket. Yes, such tickets will cost an order of magnitude more. But if you know that the risks of trip disruption are high, it’s better to be safe. Otherwise you will lose almost everything.
No-departure insurance
If you buy a ticket through an intermediary, you don’t even have to choose a flexible, expensive fare. You can simply turn on the non-flight insurance offered by the intermediary.
This service does not have a single price list. Intermediaries decide for themselves how much to ask for such an option. But, for example, the large operator Edreams offers insurance against non-flight for 5-10% of the ticket price.
A respectful reason
Airlines are strict but fair. Even non-refundable tickets can be returned for valid reasons preventing the flight. These include illness, death of a close relative, problems at the border.
Of course, they won’t take your word for it. You will need to provide relevant evidence of what happened and attach it to the return request. For example, a certificate from the clinic about your illness. Try to do this immediately. The sooner you submit the relevant request, the more likely you will be refunded the full cost of the ticket. Refund requests are sent to the place where the ticket was purchased.
Refundable tickets
Just like on trains, a plane ticket has several cost components: the ticket itself, which includes direct airline costs, and fees (airport, fuel, etc.) By law, you can claim a refund of the cost of taxes and fees. This applies even to non-refundable tickets.
Thus, even if you have the most basic fare and the trip is canceled on a whim, do not rush to put an end to the money spent. Immediately cancel the ticket where you purchased it. After some time, the refund portion will be credited to your card. How much exactly depends on the airline. I had a similar experience with the Polish carrier LOT. Of the 100 euro cost, the ticket returned for the day returned me 20 euro. It's a small thing, but nice.
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The airline canceled the flight
Plans change not only for us, but also for airlines. It happens that employees go on strike or the weather does not allow flying. Passengers become victims of such insurmountable circumstances.
Conscientious airlines do everything they can to minimize the impact on customers. You will either be refunded the cost of your ticket or offered the next next flight. Be sure to ask about additional compensation, for example, a voucher for the next flight or hotel accommodation while the problem is resolved.
But there are also extraordinary circumstances. We experienced one of them in 2020 – tens of thousands of flights were canceled due to the pandemic. And the airlines were unable, either technically or economically, to satisfy passenger complaints.
In this case, there is also a way out: to resort to the help of “professional plaintiffs.” Some companies are in the business of obtaining compensation for delayed or canceled flights on your behalf. For example, Compensair or Airhelp. The application procedure is simple and free. But be patient, litigation can last for years.
Overbooking
The hassle of packing your suitcases is over. We reached the airport. The long-awaited moment of departure has arrived. We hand over our passport – and… we are told that there are no seats on the flight. It happens? Alas, yes. This situation is called overbooking. The carrier, knowing the statistics of passengers refusing to fly, sells more tickets for the flight than there are seats in the cabin. Then passengers are asked to voluntarily fly on the next flight. If there are no volunteers, the old Soviet “voluntary-compulsory” comes into play.
How to avoid being kicked off a flight when overbooked
There are several defense mechanisms that will prevent trouble. Passengers with children rarely fall under overbooking manipulation. As well as those with transfers and checked baggage.
If you fly light and alone, you can also protect yourself. Check in for your flight in advance online. In addition, the airline values ”its passengers.” Those who have a loyalty card. Register for one and at the same time you will earn miles for free travel.
What to do if you still get laid off
Let's not panic. And we won't make a scandal. Alas, according to EU and US rules, overbooking is legal. But if you were forcibly removed from a flight due to lack of seats, then you are not simply obliged to be put on the next one. And also shelter, warm and feed. Every six hours of waiting must be accompanied by the issuance of food stamps. If the next flight is the next day, you must be accommodated in a transit hotel.
Airlines, trying to make amends, also often give vouchers for future flights. If you are not satisfied with this, you can fight for monetary compensation. Again, with the help of the “professional plaintiffs” that I wrote about above. EU rules provide compensation for overbooking up to 600 euros. By the way, similar rules and advice apply when a flight is delayed due to the fault of the carrier.
But first, go to the airline counter. You will be offered available options. It is quite possible that the situation itself will go in a positive direction. For example, there will be little time before the next flight, and you will be offered a seat in business class.
We were late for the transfer
That is why, when planning a trip, I advise you to choose flights that connect with one airline. Or representatives of one airline alliance. In this case, the carrier takes care of the connection. For example, it can delay your flight if yours is delayed. You will be escorted along the express corridor to boarding. Or, in extreme cases, will ensure landing on the next one.
But even if you are late at the airport and the blame for being late lies solely with you, do not rush to buy a ticket for the next flight. Approach an airline employee, explain the situation and ask to be seated on the next one. Carriers often accommodate the request and, if seats are available, rebook the ticket for free.
Lost luggage
Here my advice is banal and simple. Fly with luggage you can control. Then they won't lose anything. Most airlines allow you to take the so-called on board with you. “carry-on bag” – small suitcases that fit on the luggage rack.
If you still relied on checked baggage that suddenly disappeared after the flight, the algorithm is as follows. We find the “Lost and Found” counter at the airport. We issue a lost luggage report. We go to relax at our hotel, because the concern of finding luggage is now entirely on the shoulders of the airline. Lost items will comfortably arrive at the hotel via transfer, which is paid for by the airline.
In very rare cases, luggage cannot be found. Then you need to file a claim against the airline and demand compensation.
Remember that there are no hopeless situations even in such a difficult matter as air travel. Fly for fun!