travelnews: TRAVEL TIP: What should you do if your flight is cancelled?

[BAO news for travel administrators]

It is important to pack your patience with each trip, along with emergency phone numbers (airline, hotel, travel agency including their after-hours number, airline, etc), a copy of your complete itinerary, and a Plan B.

Try to determine if the flight is being cancelled due to weather or an airline mechanical issue.
What is considered the airline's responsibility regarding delays and cancellations?

  *   mechanical problems
  *   required maintenance
  *   lack of flight crew
  *   other factors that are within an airline's control
What is not considered the airline's responsibility?

  *   Weather
  *   Air traffic delays
Each airline has an individual contract/conditions of carriage. You can find these on the airline's websites or request a copy at the airline ticket counter.  Check to see if they honor Rule 240 which means when an airline cancels a flight (non-weather related), they must re-book a passenger on the next flight, even with a competing carrier.  Unfortunately Rule 240 ended with deregulation in the 1970's but many airlines still honor it.  If the airline doesn't follow Rule 240 find out what their policy allows for passengers on cancelled or delayed flights.
What you can do:
Be sure the airline has your contact information (phone and email) to notify you of cancellations, delays or schedule changes.
If your flight is cancelled, get in the customer service line but also get on the phone immediately.   Be sure you have your airline confirmation number, and/or all your flight information. If you booked through a UO travel agent, you can get through to an agent right away.  After business hours you can contact their emergency 24 hour hotlines. Be aware that the airline hold time might be 60 minutes.  Before your departure be sure you program your travel agent, airline, rental car and hotel phone numbers into your cell phone -- just in case.    If you have frequent flyer status with an airline, you have the best chance of being re-accommodated.  Be sure to call that specific help desk for assistance.
Tweet your airline.  Many airlines have customer service agents regularly following airline tweets.
Request your ticket be transferred to another airline (Rule 240 - see above).
Ask for comforts - meal vouchers or an overnight hotel if you are not in your home city.  If you have a no frills airline, they may not offer these accommodations.
Request a refund.
Let your travel coordinator know about the changes.
Safe Travels!

[cid:D409AF7E-A065-4B03-9E7F-72A60DB7E5EF]
Laurie Jacoby, CTC
Travel Manager
Business Affairs Office
University of Oregon
lajacoby at uoregon.edu<mailto:lajacoby at uoregon.edu>
541-346-3158

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