LJWorld.com / Sick and tired

Archive for Saturday, May 10, 2008

A boost in airline penalties for overbooking flights is welcome, if the companies don’t dodge the responsibility.

J-W Editorials

May 10, 2008

The news could not come soon enough for thousands of frustrated and inconvenienced airline patrons. The Transportation Department is doubling the compensation requirements for passengers who involuntarily get bumped off overbooked flights.

Travelers forced onto another flight that takes them to their destination more than two hours after their original arrival time will be eligible to receive the full price of their fare, up to $800. Those who are bumped but arrive within two hours of their original time can receive up to $400. The new rule applies to most planes carrying more than 30 passengers and is likely to go into effect next month.

The problem of involuntary bumps has risen as airlines seek to maximize revenue by filling every seat. Yet, how many travelers are aware of even the current $400 refund and how to claim it? Airlines with overbooking and flight delays have not exactly been trying to force such compensation on the disadvantaged. There may be more conscientious airline leaders who are quick to come forth, but for the most part they dodge payouts when they can. That dodge is made easier by the fact most passengers are not fully aware of their rights.

It is not difficult to sympathize with a good many airlines with all their rising costs and demands, but the announcement that the comp package will go from $400 to $800 is good news. It is up to the airlines to make sure they have enough space to accommodate bookings and that they explain fully how they will repay the unfortunate.

Air travel is increasingly difficult and unpredictable and it is likely to get worse, perhaps a lot worse, before it gets much better, if it ever does. Meanwhile, it is well that passengers realize that they are to be compensated for involuntary bumps that cause long delays.