Read the Small Print

Read the Small Print

I know everyone has seen the video of the gentleman that was pulled from his seat while he was on board a flight.  I know it seems terrible.  So let's try to figure out how you can avoid this.

First things first.  Airlines regularly overbook flights.  It has been a practice for many many years. The airlines also state they do have the right to bump you off.  It's all in legaleaze on the tickets. However, did you know that this can be to your advantage. 

Your thinking how can this possibly be a benefit to you.  Well I will tell you.  If you don't have to be somewhere immediately...like the wedding is at 3p and you are due to arrive at 1p type of thing.  The airlines, usually will request volunteers to be bumped.  Your ticket is still good.  They will get you on another flight and work with the other carriers to get you on the connections.  They will also usually offer up to 200% of your current ticket for future travel.  Sounds pretty good to me.  You get some free travel for being inconvenienced for only a few hours.  Now if there are no takers and the airlines need to bump they let the computer randomly select you.  So they don't know anything other than your name and your seat number at this time.  If this happens...you can explain to them that the wedding is 3pm and you are the best man/maid of honor etc.  They will try to re-accommodate.., if you have no extreme excuse for getting on the flight and you have been mandatory bumped...you may get up to 400% for your inconvenience.  Sounds like more than one flight to me..so maybe you'll be able to take a few  trips.   NOW!!!!!! and this is a big NOW!!!!! If you get irate and start yelling or arguing and screaming and more.  They will send in police/air marshalls/tsa...etc....And in extreme cases you may be banned from flying on that particular airline.  So keep a cool head and remember...being bumped can work out in your favor.

Now I said this is a Read the Small Print.  This is not only for the airlines it is also for Cruises.  When you get all the your papers for your cruise...Read the small print.  regarding cancellation policies etc. This can get you into a lot of trouble if you are expecting all your money back if you cancel and you are too close to sailing.  You may think I am calling the week before.  It may not be good enough.  Usually when cruising you have different time periods with monies you can receive back.  I understand sometimes things happen.  You got the flu the night before or some other catastrophe has happened.  I recommend getting travel insurance.  It a small price to pay and you may just get reimbursed a good chunk of change if something happens.  Some insurances even work if you are on vacation and something happens.  So look into the insurance....doesn't hurt to ask and "read the small print"

Now have a great vacation.  If you need me just check out my website and I will be more than happy to help you.