Comments on: Big bucks, bigger hassle: Overbooking is less fun than ever http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/27/big-bucks-bigger-hassle-involuntary-overbooking-is-less-fun-than-ever/ Living the first class life -- at coach prices Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:15:02 -0700 hourly 1 By: BethBlair http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/27/big-bucks-bigger-hassle-involuntary-overbooking-is-less-fun-than-ever/#comment-23630 BethBlair Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:50:55 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/27/big-bucks-bigger-hassle-involuntary-overbooking-is-less-fun-than-ever/#comment-23630 Being bumped is the worst. As for the "vouchers" - when I worked in the airlines I was told only 20% of people use them. Last spring AA offered a $200 voucher to take the next flight, plus an upgrade out of Dallas an hour later - I was going to be sitting around the Tucson airport waiting for a ride anyway so I stepped up. I used it and ended up paying $63 for a flight. The only hassle was having to book over the phone, as I'd much rather do it all online. I guess I am one of the 20%. Being bumped is the worst.

As for the “vouchers” – when I worked in the airlines I was told only 20% of people use them.

Last spring AA offered a $200 voucher to take the next flight, plus an upgrade out of Dallas an hour later – I was going to be sitting around the Tucson airport waiting for a ride anyway so I stepped up. I used it and ended up paying $63 for a flight. The only hassle was having to book over the phone, as I’d much rather do it all online. I guess I am one of the 20%.

]]> By: c0t0d0s0.org http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/27/big-bucks-bigger-hassle-involuntary-overbooking-is-less-fun-than-ever/#comment-23628 c0t0d0s0.org Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:30:26 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/27/big-bucks-bigger-hassle-involuntary-overbooking-is-less-fun-than-ever/#comment-23628 <strong>links for 2008-08-29...</strong> Big bucks, bigger hassle: Overbooking is less fun than ever » Upgrade: Travel Better (tags: aviation businesstravel) DasErste.de - [Panorama] - Egon Bahr: NATO-Beitritt Geo... links for 2008-08-29…

Big bucks, bigger hassle: Overbooking is less fun than ever » Upgrade: Travel Better

(tags: aviation businesstravel)

DasErste.de – [Panorama] – Egon Bahr: NATO-Beitritt Geo…

]]> By: Jason H http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/27/big-bucks-bigger-hassle-involuntary-overbooking-is-less-fun-than-ever/#comment-23606 Jason H Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:28:12 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/27/big-bucks-bigger-hassle-involuntary-overbooking-is-less-fun-than-ever/#comment-23606 Yes being denied boarding can be a pain, but I have never understood nor will I ever understand people that don't buy a package deal when dealing with nonrefundable travel plans. As a very frequent flyer I am constantly amazed at the people lined up at cruise port gates upset that they will miss their cruise or loose a day at the hotel. If you buy the cruise ship package including airfare then the cruise line will get you to the ship and if you book a package through the hotel company they will accomodate you when you arrive. It baffles me that people think that saving $100 on airfare is worth the risk that the flight will be delayed or they will be denied boarding. Being denied boarding is also a reason why I don't fly airlines like Southwest. Without an agreement with another airline you are forced to wait until they can get you to your destination. People always bash the mainline carriers, but if I get denied boarding by Delta, I have the option of switching to Northwest or Continental (until they move of course). Same goes with United and US Airways. It just makes sense if you are in a "must get there" mode to fly a carrier that has an alliance. Yes being denied boarding can be a pain, but I have never understood nor will I ever understand people that don’t buy a package deal when dealing with nonrefundable travel plans. As a very frequent flyer I am constantly amazed at the people lined up at cruise port gates upset that they will miss their cruise or loose a day at the hotel. If you buy the cruise ship package including airfare then the cruise line will get you to the ship and if you book a package through the hotel company they will accomodate you when you arrive. It baffles me that people think that saving $100 on airfare is worth the risk that the flight will be delayed or they will be denied boarding.

Being denied boarding is also a reason why I don’t fly airlines like Southwest. Without an agreement with another airline you are forced to wait until they can get you to your destination. People always bash the mainline carriers, but if I get denied boarding by Delta, I have the option of switching to Northwest or Continental (until they move of course). Same goes with United and US Airways. It just makes sense if you are in a “must get there” mode to fly a carrier that has an alliance.

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