Bumping into a deal: when to bargain - and what to expect
Article Abstract:
Getting bumped off an airline that has overbooked passengers can have its advantages, provided travelers can secure seats on the next available flight. It is unwise to accept a standby listing since this status may lead to getting stranded. If there is a long wait, it is important to obtain the airline's guarantee that it will assume responsibility for meals, phone charges, ground transportation, and hotel rooms, if needed. The Dept of Transportation (DOT) has guidelines and regulations for both voluntary and involuntary bumping. There are some limitations that do not include compensation for include charter bookings, flights between foreign cities and planes that hold fewer than 60 passengers.
Publication Name: Consumer Reports Travel Letter
Subject: Travel, recreation and leisure
ISSN: 0887-8439
Year: 1999
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Does your travel agent take kickbacks?
Article Abstract:
Travel agents have unofficial arrangements with airlines known as `override commissions.' These are compensations for directing passengers towards their flights. They are considered bonus payments that are appealing in an era of shrinking commissions for travel agents. The airlines lowered commissions from 8% to 10% of the cost of a ticket and capped them at $50 in 1995. The proposed Aviation Consumer Right to Know Act would require agents to inform their customers of their relationships with particular airlines when customers experience resistance in getting different reservations at lower prices.
Publication Name: Consumer Reports Travel Letter
Subject: Travel, recreation and leisure
ISSN: 0887-8439
Year: 1999
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Travel web sites: look around before you book
Article Abstract:
An investigation of four independent travel web sites, Cheap Tickets, Expedia, Lowestfare and Travelocity, is presented. The investigation found that all four sites suffered from such shortcomings as difficulty of use, poor itinerary planning and unavailability of flight information.
Publication Name: Consumer Reports Travel Letter
Subject: Travel, recreation and leisure
ISSN: 0887-8439
Year: 2000
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