Huge article reported just today on benefits for travelers.  I’m especially excited about compensation…

In response to some high profile cases of passenger neglect by airlines, federal regulators announced new rules in April to expand the rights of airline passengers, and those regulations take effect tomorrow. Forewarned is forearmed. The new regulations include provisions to:

• Force airlines to display all potential fees for services and amenities such as baggage check, meals, and canceling reservations on their websites;

• Refund any baggage fees for lost luggage in addition to current rules which say they must compensate travelers for lost or damaged belongings;

• Increase compensation for passengers bumped from flights and delayed for up to two hours to twice the ticket price, up to $650, and for those delayed longer than two hours to as much as four times ticket value, up to $1,300. Formerly shorter delays brought compensation equal to ticket value up to $400 and longer delays were capped at $800;

• Allow US regulators to fine carriers as much as $27,500 per customer for leaving passengers on foreign flights stranded on a tarmac for more than four hours. (This expands a 2009 rule prohibiting delays of more than three hours for domestic flights by US carriers.)

The confusion around airline partners and the impact it has on costumers is something worth talking about.  The scenario is you go to Delta.com or USAir.com to buy your ticket for an upcoming flight.  You show up at the airport, and your reservation doesn’t exist.  How does this madness happen?  “I know I bought my flight on your website!?”  Has this ever happened to you??

The simple truth is airlines don’t work well together.   I’ve shown up at the Delta terminal countless times in Seattle, WA only to be told I’ve waited in the wrong line and need to go to the Alaska terminal.  Delta has improved a bit ever since the merge with NorthWest Airlines.  Those days of ciaos are far behind us thankfully.  But there are other airlines that have a long way to go.

For example, today I had a US Air flight from Boston to Chicago, but it was on their wonderful partner United.  I showed up at United per the very small print on my reservation, and to my surprise…the kiosk could not find my reservation.  I had to stand in line for 45 minutes to get my ticket.  When I inquired what I could do on my return flight, she told me arrive early as I would need to do the same thing again.  How is it in this day in age they can switch my airline the second I buy it, but I can’t check-in online, on my phone, or at a Kiosk? 

My only advise, look very carefully at your reservation before heading to the airport.  Give yourself extra time when flying with a partner.  I know that I lose my status right away, so I can’t do the express security line for example.  I also know that most Kiosks won’t be able to find my reservation.  I know I’ll be the last one on the plane and there won’t be any room for my carry on.  I know upgrades are out of the question, and my zone number will be 4 or 5.  Better to be prepared then sorry.

Anyone else have experiences with partner airlines?  I know there are some hidden secrets to keep your status.  I would love to hear them…

I find it odd that my last posting was about how to deal with the inconsistent issues around delays and cancelations at our airports.  Since that time (I’ve been on vacation) the newest of delays has come out from the TSA.  An enhanced screening method to slow us down at security.  This is from just a few days ago…

“The Transportation Security Administration plans to start testing an expanded behavior-detection security program today at Logan International Airport, the first airport in the nation to roll out the enhanced screening method. Under the program, TSA officers will speak with every passenger passing through the Terminal A security checkpoint, asking each two or three questions, such as “Where are you traveling today?” or “How long have you been in town?” Officials said the intent is to detect suspicious behavior – such as someone sweating profusely or avoiding eye contact – a process the TSA estimates will take about 20 seconds per passenger.” (Aug. 2, 2011 Boston Globe)

Wow, if you are one of those people that gets nervous because you are running late…you are screwed!  Avoiding eye contact??  Are you serious?  Yeah, I’m avoiding eye contact so I don’t accidentally punch you!  LOL  I’m kidding.  Remember, take it slow and easy…”it is out of our control.”

I do however really hope this fails miserably and is challenged by every single person.  I unfortunately travel through terminal A weekly.  Sometimes more than once a week.  I have not seen this yet, but will certainly comment once I do.  My concerns stem primarily from an additional delay to the security line.  First the shoes have to go, then the full body scanners, now questioning…what is next?

Thoughts?

 As a road warrior, one quickly discovers delays and cancelation are just a part of our routine.  When I first started flying weekly I used to get so upset and angry when my flight was delayed or even worst, canceled.  Over the years, you come to accept these are things beyond your control…but let’s face it, they still get under your skin once and a while.

Today’s delay was a bit unique.  Dealing with Atlanta airport is always a joy.  Considered the busiest airport in the US, be prepared for delays no matter what.  We boarded about 20 minutes late, which is typical really and never truly an issue.  What I did notice is that after the usual 30 minutes or so, I was still talking on the phone.  I had missed the announcement we were being delayed.  After boarding…is always a special treat.  Evidentially the sign on the outside of the plane that tells you where to put gas, had faded off.  I kid you not.  The decal had to be replaced before we could take off.  This took about 90 minutes.  The FAA was walking all around the plane during this time and pretty much everyone including staff thought this was just ridiculous.

I made the rather unwise choice to watch “Why Planes Crash” on msnbc the other night.  A truly upsetting decision that impacted my sleep two nights in a row.  I share this, because I truly believe maintenance delays are for our protection and safety.  Now more than ever, after watching that show.  Decals on the outside of the plane though…ok, that gets me a bit annoying. 

How we deal with these can really make or break your day.  Communication is my first choice.  I call home, work, client, and whoever else may be impacted.  I often post it on Facebook too…I have lots of friends that travel, so we like to talk about these delays and cancelations.  I think it is healthy to talk about it.  Heck, you could sit there and just stew over it.  I’ve seen people scream at the airline staff, turning red with smoke coming out of their ears.  Heck, several years ago I know I was guilty of that a time or two.  The nice thing, is they’ll always get you there…no matter what.  It might not be on your schedule, and it might not be today…but you’ll get there.  Go ahead, talk about it, think about it, and then … laugh about it.