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Flight Contingency Plans
June 17, 2008 | Permalink
There have been a number of studies recently, citing a decline in American air travel this summer. Some forecast that the airline industry could lose 6.1 billion dollars this year.
These grim numbers could mean some airlines offer great deals to try to fill empty seats, or it could mean that flights get canceled. While that may just mean taking a different flight, it could potentially disrupt a vacation or business trip. What can you do to recover from a canceled flight?
1. Many airlines let you choose a seat online by giving you a diagram of the plane, showing available seat choices. Keep an eye on that and see how full the plane is. If you’re one of only a few passengers, consider creating a contingency plan.
2. Depending on how flexible your schedule is, consider arriving the day before an important event or meeting so that there’s less chance of missing it, in case you end up on a different flight.
3. Sign up for email alerts and program the airline’s customer service number into your cell phone. The faster you learn about the cancellation and can rebook, the more choices you have for alternative flights.
4. If your flight has been delayed more than once, it’s likely to be delayed even further or canceled altogether. Look for a later flight in which the plane is already at the airport and change your ticket. It’s a gamble, but one that might end up getting you to your destination much faster.
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