HOW GOOD ARE OUR AIRLINES
Was your holiday air travel uneventful and on time? - or were you unfortunate to suffer from delays, cancellations, baggage problems or even being bumped off?
The US Bureau of Transportation publishes some very interesting statistics on the performance of our airlines. In this article we examine a few of the published figures and leave you to decide - How Good Are Our Airlines? A word of warning. As Chaucer once said ” There are lies, dammed lies and Statistics!” These figures are those reported in June 2008.
Delays
The overall causes of delays, with percentages, are published as follows:
Delays and cancellations attributable to National Aviation Systems such as Air Traffic Control, traffic volume. airport operations and non extreme weather - 10.16%
Late arriving aircraft. Previous flight with same aircraft causing late departure - 8.86%
Air Carrier Delay caused by circumstance within the airline’s control. Maintenance or crew problems - 6.78%
Cancellations - 1.80%
Extreme Weather - 1.14%
Diverted Aircraft - 0.37%
Security Delay - 0.05%
Mishandled Baggage
Did you have any problems with lost or delayed luggage? In June 2008, US Airlines received a total of 281,404 baggage reports from 54,674,153 enplaned passengers in the domestic US area, giving an overall rate of 5.15 reports per 1000 passengers. American Eagle Airlines appear to have the worst record both in 2007 and 2008.
Bumped Off
In the period April to June 2008 there were 158,249 Voluntary Bumpings (Passengers receiving compensation for over sales) 15049 Involuntary Bumpings from a total of 151,843,987 enplaned passengers giving a rate of 1.00 per 1000.
Did you have reason to complain?
These could include Flight Problems, Overbooking, Boarding, Refunds, Baggage, Customer Service, Disabilities or Discrimination. In June 2008, US Airlines, Foreign Airlines, Travel Agents, Tour Operators and others generated 881 complaints, down from 1097 in June
2007. Flight delays and baggage problems received the most complaints.
On a sad note. Airlines in June 2008, reported the deaths of three animals and the loss of one animal in transit.
Finally, in the US, arrivals on time ranged from 98.2% by Hawaiian Airlines to 58.8% by American Airlines, giving an overall punctuality figure of 70.8%
Based on the above we leave you to decide on how good you feel are our airlines. Whatever your opinion we wish you a safe and complaint free flight.
OVER BOOKED FLIGHTS IN THE US
In a previous article, Travel Advice Pages, gave advice on compensation if your flight was delayed.
If you are “bumped” off a flight it is a different situation. Sadly, it is a fact of holiday air travel that over-booking of flights has become a common practice by airlines. Before resigning yourself to spending the night on the floor of the departure lounge, we offer some facts and advice.
In the US, if you are “bumped” off your flight and the airline cannot get you to your destination within one hour of your original arrival time; US Federal Law requires that you are paid the equivalent of a one-way fare ($200-400) depending on the length of delay. This is somewhat inadequate particularly if you may suffer financial loss perhaps due to missing that important business meeting. Insist on a cash payment as some vouchers come with restrictions and may be difficult to redeem. It is a good idea, while waiting for some action at the check in desk to call the airline direct for help. Most have 800 series telephone numbers and you may get ahead of fellow sufferers by circumventing airport computer systems which allocate priority to “Frequent Flyers” or those who have paid full price for a seat.
In busy holiday periods, it is wise to have a “Plan B”giving alternative flights so you can ask to be rebooked on another carrier. Many airlines will refuse but it is worth a try.
One way of avoiding being “bumped” is to research which US domestic carriers have a low incidence of overbooking. The US Department of Consumer Protection website will provide you with statistics about this practice and other facts about your chosen airline.
Remember that the people in the cheap seats have the lowest priority. ”Frequent Flyers,” First and Business Class passengers and those who have paid full fare are the most likely to win in an overbooked situation. Always aim to arrive early as late check ins are the first to suffer.
Be aware that compensation does not apply to charter flights or scheduled flights with less than 60 passengers. Also, that the above information applies to US Domestic Carriers and may vary with international flights. Unfortunately, if the airline has to substitute a smaller aircraft for the one it planned to use - there is no compensation for you.
Hopefully, with our Travel Advice you can avoid spending a night on the floor in the airport!!
EUROPE - BANNED CARRY ON ITEMS
“AIR travellers in Europe will now be able to view the same list of items banned from carry-on luggage as airline staff after the European Union amended laws.
Previously, this list had been available only to staff for security reasons. The public were only able to see an amended list which created confusion. Some travellers were barred from getting on flights because they had items on the secret list.
The new air travel security rules, which took effect this week, require governments to maintain a single, public list of banned carry-on items.
The issue was highlighted in the case of German traveller Gottfried Heinrich who was ordered to leave a plane in Vienna as he was carrying tennis racquets, “allegedly prohibited items,” according to the advocate general.
Heinrich took the case to court in Austria which has referred it to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. EU Advocate-General Eleanor Sharpston had urged the European Court of Justice to annul the EU law on the carry-on items lists, saying it was illegal to maintain a list that travelers could not consult. ”
This is excellent news for all those travelling in or to Europe as there has been a great deal of confusion about what can and cannot be carried on board. You can be told one thing by travel agents or airport enquiries and arrive at the airport only to have items confiscated or left behind.
CELL PHONES TAKE TO THE AIR
Posted by Roy
The EU has responded to demands from passengers and Industry and will soon allow air passengers to use their mobile telephones to talk and send text messages while in the air. The service will be provided by individual airlines who will install new equipment on-board. Passenger’s mobile ‘phones will be linked to an on-board cellular network, connected to the ground via satellite. The system will prevent ‘phones from connecting to mobile telephone networks on the ground and also ensure that transmission power is low enough to safeguard avionics
While applauding this technological breakthrough I must say the thought of dozens (even hundreds) of passengers using telephones with their bizarre ring-tones in the confines of an aircraft cabin for several hours fills me with horror. This will certainly add another irritating habit to the actions of certain air travellers.
The mobile radio telephone is both the scientific marvel and the curse of our present society. The cacophony of ring-tones in trains, auto mobiles, cinemas, restaurants and even in the street has reached annoying levels. In Hong Kong (one of my favourite cities) the level of ‘phone noise almost drowns out traffic noise.
Here, I must hold up my hand because as Director of Marketing for Ericsson, in China, I was responsible for providing the Chinese with millions of these noisy devices. My pet hate is the person in the restaurant who, presumably to impress his fellow diners, makes and receives calls continually throughout his meal. Not annoying but dangerous is the use of cellphones while driving. Certainly, in the UK several accidents have been attributed to the distraction of using a mobile telephone. At least the UK Government are attempting to cure this problem with a $1000 fine.
I must concede that the airlines have now brought connectivity to a situation which until now has been rather limited.
FEAR OF FLYING
Posted by Roy
Fear of flying is the fear of being on an aircraft while in flight. This phobia is referred to as aerophobia, aviotophobia or aviophobia. Nowadays air travel is difficult to avoid by tourists and business people. It currently affects a significant minority of travelers. and is manifested in extreme cases by severe panic attacks and even vomiting at the mention of aircraft or air travel.
The fear may be caused by various other phobias, such as fear of closed spaces such as the aircraft cabin (claustrophobia) fear of heights (acrophobia) fear of panic attacks and the inability to escape without difficulty or embarrassment. Fear of aircraft failure and crashes.
Travel fears are very common but there are remedies available. These include:
Psychotherapy by clinical psychologists (UK) or cognitive behavioral
therapists (USA)
Stress therapy such as transcendental meditation
Hypnotherapy
Psychoactive medication such as relaxant or depressant drugs prescribed by your doctor
Confronting the fear directly – sometimes referred to as desensitization.
Self help
“Fear of Flying” courses provided by the major airlines.
As an ex-Pilot, my own personal choice, in the first instance, would be self help and/ or a Fear of Flying course.
Self Help is simply educating one’s self about the realities of aviation. Learning about how aircraft are flown, understanding what certain sounds mean and knowing that turbulence will not destroy an aircraft, will ease many fears. The simple goal in self help is to reassure yourself that you are not merely comfortable - but safe. Here are some initial facts:
Flying is the safest form of modern transportation. The cost and duration of training pilots in a major airline is comparable with that of a doctor.
Engine failure does not mean that the aircraft will crash. In reality, engines move the aircraft through the air or maintain altitude and most modern airliners will glide without engines. A “Jumbo Jet” can lose two of its four engines and fly quite safely.
Back-up systems are provided for almost all systems and computers handle autopilots and all necessary functions. After all, when did your family car’s engine stop in the middle of a journey.
Commercial aircraft average 12 hours in maintenance on the ground for every hour in the air.
Commercial aircraft fly within “Highways in the Sky” (Airways) which are 10 miles wide and aircraft are kept apart by Air Traffic Controllers who have undergone 3-4 years training and who are limited to 5 hour shifts with regular breaks.
Standard airline policy is to avoid thunderstorms by at least 20 miles. Radar systems in the nose of the aircraft warn pilots of the presence of these storms. Turbulence may be uncomfortable but is not a problem. It is measured in “ g-force” and 0.4g is considered “severe.” Modern airliners are required to fly without problems at 2.0g, although manufacturers build aircraft to withstand 4.0-6.0g.
Sounds heard on takeoff or landing are simply the mechanical operation
of flying controls and undercarriage being lowered or retracted. “Bumping” on the runway does not mean a flat tyre! The nose wheel will often make contact with the raised reflectors along the centre of the runway.
“Smoke” issuing from the air vents in the cabin is simply condensation as the cooling air provided for your comfort meets the hot air in the cabin.
These are a few of the issues you may investigate in your self education programme.
“Fear of Flying” courses are provided by most major airlines. They involve a seminar led by a senior airline pilot, group discussions, followed by an actual flight.
Finally, with fears conquered, and if your journey does involve a flight, de-stress by planning ahead, arrive early at the airport and do avoid alcohol.
Travel Advice would appreciate hearing from readers with personal experience and success stories about their “Fear of Flying”
LUXURY HOLIDAY - ON A BUDGET
If you are not rich but have expensive tastes you might enjoy some of these ideas for having your lovely luxury holiday but saving some money on the not so important things while splashing out on the major items. So go for that good hotel, book the airline of your choice and go to a fabulous destination. But while you are there try these little money savers:
1. First of all contact airlines directly and see what offers are available and also book as far in advance as possible. This has been known to save up to 70% of the price of a flight. Also some airlines have incredible offers, last year Air Malta had flights to Europe for about $20. Giving you loads of extra money to spend when you get to your destination.
2. On arrival at your destination ignore expensive taxis and go for the airport bus. At some destinations this can easily save you $100 or more and no expensive tipping!
3. Once in your Hotel room take a good look around. Does it live up to your expectations, is it as good as the pictures and description in the brochure. If not ask for an upgrade. You may pay a little for this or nothing at all but it is certainly worth trying.
4. Try not to use the Hotel mini bar. The prices are astronomical. Find the nearest store and stock up on alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water and snacks. You can pour much more generous drinks for a fraction of the cost.
5. Most Holiday Hotels these days have a buffet style breakfast. Apart from the usual breakfast foods there are usually rolls, cheeses, cold meats, fruit etc. Make sandwiches and take some fruit and pop them in your bag for lunch time.
6. If you do decide you want to eat in a lovely luxury restaurant, try going at lunch time instead of in the evening. The menu will probably be about 50% less and you are getting the same gourmet food and the same wonderful chef has probaly cooked it. You can have a long lazy lunch and drinks for a fraction of the cost you would pay in the evening and you have the rest of the day to sleep it off.
7. Some evenings, after a long day of sightseeing, you may prefer to eat in your room, perhaps on the balcony overlooking that stunning view of the ocean. You do not have to be tied to the Hotels rather expensive and limited room service menu, order a takeaway from the restaurant of your choice.
8. When you do go for an evening out, take full advantage of Happy Hour and other offers such as Free drinks for Ladies or half price drinks or the two for one offers. You can have a great evening out and with quite a saving.
9. Also on your evening out look for Bars and Restaurants with free entertainment. You get to have a wonderful evenings entertainment and only pay for what you where going to get anyway.
10. Finally during your daytime sightseeing look out for the times when various sites, museums, galleries exhibitions etc are free to view. This for some reason is usually on a Monday. So make that your educational day of sightseeing and have a free day out.
I hope you enjoyed these tips. You are going to have the same wonderful holiday as everyone else around you but hopefully you will be paying a lot less for the not so essential parts of your trip.
HOLIDAY SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Most of us recognise a scam on the Internet. We are prepared for them and generally avoid them. Emails saying we have won a holiday or a vast amount of money when we know for a fact we haven’t entered a competition or the email telling you how to earn an extra couple of thousand a month for next to no work.
But in real life it can be more difficult and unexpected. Here are some of the scams currently occurring around the world:
1. A telephone call informs you that you have won a cheap trip to Florida or the Bahamas. For say $500 you get a $2000 holiday. Just give us your card details and we will arrange the rest.
Of course do not give them your card details. They will take the full value of the holiday without your consent and you will almost never get them to give the money back. Your card company won’t help you because you gave your card details to someone you didn’t know and couldn’t see.
2. Bogus travel companies. If you are offered extremely cheap holidays beware. Some companies are set up, sell loads of holidays then close down, pocketing the money.
Book your holiday with a reputable travel agent, hotel or airline. Make sure they are registered and also make sure your insurance covers you if any part of your holiday does fail to be delivered.
3. The next scam took place in Shanghai. At two in the morning the phone rings in your hotel room. Reception are trying to process your credit card but are having problems so could you please bring it down to the desk. You say it is two in the morning, they say okay just give us the details over the phone.
Again don’t give your details to someone you don’t know and can’t see. Hang up and ring reception to check it out. If there is a genuine problem tell them you will deal with it in person in the morning. At least then if there is a problem you can point out the culprit to the local police. Also check your credit card statement carefully after foreign holidays.
4. Exchanging money. You need cash and the banks are closed so you look for a currency exchange booth. You find a sidewalk booth and change your money. There is a disturbance and you do not carefully check the money you have received or open the envelope it is in.
Never change money at anything other than a fixed booth. This means a permanent structure not a bamboo hut, market stall or a man with a suitcase full of cash. Go in pairs to change money so one can count while the other deals with distractions. If money is already in envelopes, open them and check thoroughly. Some have been found to contain cut up paper.
5. Being drugged. Your new found friends drug your drink and make off with all you possess. This is quite old hat. The new scam is to put burundanga (similar to Rohypnol) on pamphlets then hand them out to foreign tourists.You take the drug in through your skin. This has been happening in Venezuela.
It is better to go clubbing in groups or pairs of people that you know. If you are being bought a drink chose a bottled drink and watch it being served. Have the cap removed in front of you. Keep your eye on your drink. With regard to pamphlets, simply don’t take them from strangers.
6. Unlicensed taxis. You arrive tired at your destination and there is a long queue so you go for the guy with an unlicensed cab. The least of your worries in this situation is that you will be overcharged.
Never get in unlicensed taxis.
7. At the Airport Conveyor Belt. You put your things on the conveyor belt. The guy behind is in a big hurry and pushes past you but then he gets held up at the metal detector with change and numerous keys. You wait patiently. But, the guy in a hurry has an accomplice who makes off with your stuff from the conveyor belt.
This unfortunately does happen frequently. So watch your stuff, don’t let people barge in front of you and follow the advice in a previous article, buy cheap and cheerful luggage. The more expensive and tasteful your luggage the more likely it is to be targeted.
8. Scams in general. Anyone offering to make you big money while on holiday whether for carrying a package or pretending to be injured to claim the insurance should ring some alarm bells with you.
Steer clear of them and their scams, especially any that require you to part with any money.
Probably 95% of people have a trouble free holiday. We want you to be in that percentage. We want you to have a great holiday and to relax and enjoy yourself but that doesn’t mean relaxing so much that your guard is completely down. So read the article and be prepared and informed so you can have a great, trouble free vacation.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - KEEPING THE COSTS DOWN
If you are considering taking the family away for the school holidays, here are a few suggestions to ease the strain on your pocket.
For starters, as we suggested in a previous article, book your flights as early as possible. Travel operators buy blocks of seats from airlines and tend to sell off early bookings at discounted prices. If possible always deal direct, on-line, with both airlines and your preferred hotel. There are considerable savings to be made
Be warned that mobile/cell phone operators, because of an EU Directive have had to “cap” mobile phone calls from abroad but have maintained text message calls at high rates. The kids can multiply your phone bill as much as ten times when they call friends at home (as they do). Operators are charging 25-40p per text from Europe. If you have a monthly allowance of texts remember that your operator may equate one text from Europe with four in the UK. For those of you in the United States check out your terms and conditions when traveling abroad. Charges may be considerably higher than you would expect.
If your children are using their telephone to browse the Internet, the cost may become prohibitive. Downloading MP3 music can set you back thirty times more than in Britain itself. In fairness, some operators have announced possible cuts in rates as from April. The cheaper solution is to use your laptop when on holiday.
Also be aware that if you use your debit card abroad you face a cash conversion charge around 2.75%. In addition, there will be a transaction charge of 1.5-2.0% when using a foreign cash machine. These fees have risen since last year, making your holiday more expensive.
If you are considering a ski holiday, it is a fact that taking out a more expensive premium does not necessarily mean better cover. Check the benefits carefully (and the small print)
It is a fact that complaints about car hire companies are at an all time high. This is related to final billing problems. Contracts are full of extra charges which are only apparent when you have to settle the inflated bill. In many cases these extra costs are revealed when you pick up the vehicle and you have no chance to cancel. You can avoid the problem by using a broker who will charge small brokerage fees.
Finally, specify a diesel- engined car for your holiday in Europe, as diesel fuel tends to be cheaper than unleaded fuel in Europe.
Enjoy yourselves, good luck and happy holidays.
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