Ask for Cash When Kicked Off a Flight
Not content with the current level of misery associated with flying, airlines are booking more flights than ever and rerouting customers on later flights so you don’t just expect a collision between two strangers, one inevitably falling asleep on you when the other – who apparently not familiar with lumpy soap or shower gel – watching a movie without headphones at full volume, but you will miss whatever event you were flying to in the first place.
And if you don’t volunteer at the gate, it’s unknown when this could happen to you, although CNBC notes that normal people are much more likely to bump into us than our business class brothers, reporting that “airlines often choose which passengers to get out, based on the fare. paid and the status of a frequent flyer ”. Rude! Predictable, but rude nonetheless.
However, when they hit you, you are entitled to something. And while they may offer vouchers for another flight, you can ask for a check instead.
How much you get depends on the airline and how much others are willing to take. In November, United unveiled a new system that allows you to “place bets” on the amount you’re willing to take when you buy your resold flight, up to $ 10,000 in travel bonuses . Delta is doing something similar, offering up to $ 9,950 .
While many airlines offer a travel voucher by default, it’s best to bring cash. One advantage is that you can use cash for anything and you cannot use a Delta voucher to pay for, say, a good night. Keep in mind, however, that vouchers have expiration dates and other restrictions that further limit their usefulness (for example, they may “get turned off” during the holidays).
Please note that there is a difference between voluntary and involuntary hitting by people. According to the Department of Transport , there is no requirement for what airlines must offer you if you voluntarily give up your seat at the gate, although you must receive some kind of compensation.
But if you are unintentionally hit – that is, you did not offer to board another flight, but you are not allowed – DOT requires the airline to offer you the following:
- If a new flight is arranged within an hour of the arrival of your original flight, the airlines do not require compensation.
- If the new arrival time is one to two hours late (one to four hours on international flights), you are entitled to 200 percent of the one-way fare, up to a maximum of $ 675.
- If the new arrival time is more than two hours late (or more than four hours on international flights), you are eligible for a 400 percent one-way fare, up to a maximum of $ 1,350.
- You should also receive a refund for additional services such as checking your bag or choosing a seat.
And bargaining is quite reasonable. Ask for a little more money, or ask the airline to cover your hotel or restaurant expenses if you are sent on your flight the next day. You deserve it.