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Location: Alerts for 7/09/07

Discussion: Late arrivals and full planes

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jimglab
jimglab
Late arrivals and full planes
Jul 9 2007, 10:03 AM EDT
The latest government figures show U.S. airlines’ on-time arrival rate so far this year – 74 percent -- is the worst ever. And in June, airlines were extremely full -- with almost 90 percent of all seats occupied in some cases. Have you had to change your booking strategies to cope? Are you booking earlier flights? Fewer connections? Have you had trouble rebooking a flight or changing your departure times? Which airline is the worst to deal with? Post your comments HERE. (If you want to be quoted by name, include your name with your comments.) 1  out of 1 found this valuable. Do you?    
ben
ben
RE: Late arrivals and full planes
Jul 9 2007, 12:30 PM EDT
"The latest government figures show U.S. airlines’ on-time arrival rate so far this year – 74 percent -- is the worst ever. And in June, airlines were extremely full -- with almost 90 percent of all seats occupied in some cases. Have you had to change your booking strategies to cope? Are you booking earlier flights? Fewer connections? Have you had trouble rebooking a flight or changing your departure times? Which airline is the worst to deal with? Post your comments HERE. (If you want to be quoted by name, include your name with your comments.)"
I've had two new strategies:
1) I now always check in online and during online check-in, request standby on an earlier flight, even if I don't think I'll need it, just so that I'll have the option in case the flights are all running late and I want to jump to an earlier (less late) flight.
2) I check in as close to 24 hours before my flight as possible, so I'll be high on the standby list.

--Ben
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lvaughan

lvaughan
RE: Late arrivals and full planes
Jul 9 2007, 7:47 PM EDT
This is definitely the worst I have ever seen in the way of cancellations and late flights. Weather has been a big problem, and I understand that some flights will not run or be on time. However, the problem is exacerbated by poor airline management. It is almost as if it is the first time they have ever had to deal with bad weather. Where is the contingency planning? Since when is is OK to simply say "It's the weather" (not our problem)?
If I am traveling on one of the legacy carriers (usually American) my backup plan is a reservation on Southwest. It may not be quite as convenient, but they have never left me stranded. Southwest does not penalize you for changing plans, and they try really hard to get people to their destination.
Recently I have also been heading out earlier so I have a chance to recover if my flight is canceled. This is adding to my travel expense for extra hotel nights, but I don't have much choice. I can't afford to miss a meeting that took weeks to set up.
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wvaeddie

wvaeddie
RE: Late arrivals and full planes
Jul 9 2007, 7:54 PM EDT
I have been frequent flier for 20 years with Delta, Continental, and USAirways reaching top elite levels with each. Presently Gold (previously Chairman) with USAirways and fly 4 segments with them every week. Already this year about 75 segments through Philadelphia or Charlotte to Detroit. During a 12 week period from February through June of this year I have experienced the following:
Only 4 of 48 segments on time Philadelphia arrivals and/or departures (17% on-time arrival)
5 segments cancelled with 4 rerouted on other airlines
2 occassions of misplaced luggage
1 damaged luggage
As many as 1/2 of kiosks out of service on each visit
2 occasions of first class upgrade notifications on line upon arrival at airport
Every occasion to check departure information both on line and by phone automated service before heading to airport indicated on time departure on every occasion.
Even flight captains and crews acknowledge that lengthy Philadelphia arrival/departure flight delays are normal and expected.
2 letters and 2 emails to customer service at USAirways have gone unanswered.

Edward E. Warden
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