Five Super Ideas to Remember When Flying to Kauai June 3, 2009
Posted by Herb in : 1 , trackback1. Although first class seats are increasingly being filled by passengers using miles to upgrade, some flights may still have first class seats available a couple of hours before flight time. Although the difference between first and coach on one flight was $500, they were offering the upgrade at the gate for $300. After two different announcements I went to the gate and said I would pay $300 for the two of us. They said no and then, just as boarding began, called our names and gave us the upgrade. It never hurts to ask. Also on www.farecompare.com, Rick Seaney has a good discussion on “YUP” fares. It’s essentially a first class seat coded as business class. If you’re a business class traveler, you definitely want to check this fare class out. You’ll find a link on the home page, right under the main blue box that says “First Class Airfare (YUP). ”
2. Overbooked Flights. In order to continue flying in these turbulent times airlines are doing everything they can to maximize profits. Many of the new and increased charges mentioned above are ways in which profits can be increased. It is only logical then to attempt to fill each plane as full as possible to maximize the revenue from each flight. In order to do that, all airlines accept more reservations than they have seats available, knowing that a certain percentage of customers will “no show” at the airport.
Based on lots of past experience, numbers are fed into a computer and out pops the number of seats to be overbooked. Sometimes they guess wrong, and that is where you, the prepared traveler, can benefit. If you know in advance you have flexibility, ask at the desk at the gate (not the check in desk) how booked the flight is. The gate agent will normally be honest and say either “we have lots of room” or “space is really tight on this flight”. If she says that space is really tight, give her your names and tell her you’d be willing to be bumped off the flight if they need seats. The longer you will be delayed, the higher the compensation.
If it’s a delay of an hour or two, you might be offered a certificate for $200 each on your next flight. Longer delays will earn two round trip tickets that can be used anywhere in the continental United States. An overnight delay will also include a hotel stay. If not offered, be sure and ask for meal vouchers, as they will also be available for overnight stays.
If you are traveling at a busy time of year and cannot afford a delay in your flight, then do some research before flying. Once you’ve booked your flight, find another flight or two that will be going to your same destination and that are departing an hour or two after your flight. Write down the airline, flight number and the toll free number to reach reservations. Program the phone number or numbers into your phone.
In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, the employees at the check in desk will begin looking for seats on other flights that you can be transferred to. With a full load of passengers, this process can take quite some time. You however, having done your research in advance, can quickly call the toll free number(s) you’ve written down and book a seat before the employees at the desk can. This will put you ahead of most all other passengers that are trying to rebook their flights.
3. Always keep your cool when dealing with airline employees. If your flight has been delayed or canceled or if you should miss your flight, do not take out your frustration on the person standing at the counter in front of you. This is NOT the person responsible for whatever problem you might have. They are, however, the best person to help you. Explain politely what your problem is and ask if they can help you. It is human nature to want to help someone who is smiling and friendly.
4. If you’re flying to a city in the U.S.; serviced by Virgin America, give them a try. They are a newer, low cost airline with fabulous aircraft and friendly flight crews. The plane interiors have mood lighting that changes during the flight. Each seat back has a television screen with many options to choose from games, to television shows to movies to music. You can also order food and drinks from this screen and they will be delivered to your seat. Pretty cool. And the best coach flight from Los Angeles to London Heathrow, non-stop, is without a doubt Virgin Atlantic! The ten hours literally fly by, thanks to an attentive flight crew, two different movies and free drinks poured out of liter bottles. The “goodie bag” at every coach seat includes an eye mask and slippers.
5. Even though flying is not like the “good old days” some carriers are doing an excellent job even in these tougher times. Hawaiian Airlines, for example, is still serving food at no cost on their flights to and from the mainland. Depending on the route and time of day, the food can range from a sandwich and bag of chips to hot pasta and chicken. Other carriers are selling food that is much improved from early attempts. Relax and enjoy your journey. Flying is still, mile for mile, the least expensive way to get to most destinations.
KauaiHerb
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