Services that you should be receiving from Airfare Companies

Regardless of the type of fare, both promo fares and the normal airfare services being given is in general the same. Let us take a tour of the different services in general to know our rights and for us to know the extent of service we should be receiving to avoid hassles and possible confrontations with airline personnel. Let us go deepest in the delayed baggage policies section as this is the major reason for the said Claudine and Cebu Pacific crew incident.

Ticketing Services

All airfare companies should have hotlines to entertain clients for ticketing. There should be several branches of offices where people can book and pay for their tickets. For convenience, there are usually websites too for booking, reservations, and even payment. Depending on airline policies, cancellations and refunds will be allowed within the allowed time frame.

Baggage Allowed

Before we discuss the items allowed in baggage, let us take a look at prohibited items first. Generally speaking, items that are not properly packed will not be allowed, also items that will pose as dangers to the plane such as flammable items or explosives are extremely strictly prohibited. Items which are prohibited by laws such as drugs, unlicensed weapons such as sharp objects, firearms and ammunition’s are obviously not allowed. Live and dead animals, human or animal remains are of course not allowed too. But perishable items such as fish, meat, fruits are allowed but only if properly packed in a Hand Baggage.

Upon inspection and approval by the airline company, most items will be allowed. But of course there will always be limitations. Each airline company has their own sets of rules but in general, the allowable wait of baggage will be around 10-15 kilos. Hand carry is more or less 7 kilos per piece. Maximum allowable baggage size is around 62 inches of total length width and height, while for hand carry is roughly 45 inches.

Insurance

Most if not all airfare companies should be able to provide insurance for all areas of the whole travel experience. Some basic services or coverage should include trip cancellations and terminations, medical expense reimbursement, child protection, flight diversion, delayed or loss baggage, loss of personal documents or cash, flight delay, hijacking and among others, all with their own respective monetary limits of coverage. This is to make sure that passengers can have the option of absolute protection with reasonable rates.

On boarding/Departure/Arrival

In the Philippines, the NAIA terminals shall be available for us to check in ourselves together with our luggage in preparation to board the flight. If applicable, lounges that offer food and relaxation shall be made available while we wait. Baggage will then be allowed to be checked in along with us. Upon boarding, we should be welcomed and be directed to our assigned seats. During the travel, meals may or may not be served depending on the circumstances. During the flight, events like turbulence’s may happen and it is the very responsibility of the pilots to ensure that the plane and its passengers will all be safe, either by making a diversion or making a stop over at a different location. Upon arrival, baggage shall be returned to the passengers, and some airline companies may offer terminal to terminal transportation services and hotel transportation as well.

Delayed Flights

Due to uncontrollable events, not all scheduled flights are guaranteed. There will always be chances that the day and time of these flights might change due to certain factors. Once on board flight diversions or rerouting may be done if necessary due to safety or whatever reasons. In the event of a flight disruption, cancellation or delay, airline companies should be able to try its best, but not necessarily commit to place the passengers in the same or similar seats. Refunds may be given if the passengers paid for reservations and did not get the seat they wanted.

Excess and Delayed Baggage

For excess baggage in kilo, a passenger should pay a certain fee of around 150 PHP per kilo for domestic flights, and international flights requires around 400 PHP per kilo of excess. Again, each airline company has its own policies and fees.

Now, this is the highlight of the article, about delayed baggage. Airfare companies should have the option to carry our checked baggage at a much later flight due to certain safety reasons or circumstances. To site a specific example, in Cebu Pacific’s website Policy Clause 13.1.1 (f) states that:

“Whenever possible, Checked Baggage will be carried on the same aircraft as the Passenger. The Airline may decide for safety, security or operational reasons to carry it on another flight. If a Checked Baggage is carried on a subsequent flight, the Airline will deliver it to the Passenger unless applicable law requires the Passenger to be present for clearance by customs authorities.”

Also on Clause 16.1.1, it states that:

“In case of a lost or delayed Checked Baggage, the Passenger must advise the Airline right after his flight and before leaving the airport premises”

As seen, from the 2 clauses above, it is really the responsibility of both the airfare company and the passengers to take note of the baggage. Delayed baggage are inevitable and the airline company will not be held liable, and the passenger should wait for the baggage, and when they came in damaged state or late, he or she should notify airline personnel.

To wrap things up, despite all types of fares, airfare companies should be giving all the services. Whether it is the normal or promo rate, we all deserve to be given the absolute best of service. About the Claudine Cebu Pacific incident, the airfare company is not legally liable for the delay as their clauses clearly state that they have no fault or responsibility for the delay or misinforming about the delayed baggage. Ranting and making scenes will only make things worse so it will be wise to just inform airline personnel about whatever issues.

A good suggestion to avoid this incident is to ensure that airfare companies notify or announce to passengers about delayed baggage. A new policy to ensure this is done may give all passengers peace of mind so they will always know the location of their baggage and the possible time of their arrival. The Santiago’s claim that there are medicines in their baggage that they need desperately, well, it is high time that passengers consider getting medical flight insurance and also insurance for delayed baggage! To answer the question, yes, Cebu Pacific still delivered the right service, but a slight service if keeping passengers informed about delayed baggage will most certainly help.

This is a guest post from Nicole So. If you want your articles to be published in this travel blog please check the guidelines here.

AUTHOR BIO:

Nicole So is a freelance writer, regular runner and a former backpacker. Her hobbies are writing, photography and traveling. Follow her escapades in google+.

]]> http://letstravelphilippines.com/2012/05/22/airfare-companies-do-they-really-give-the-right-services/feed/ 0 http://letstravelphilippines.com/2012/05/07/choose-travel-tips-for-safe-travel/ http://letstravelphilippines.com/2012/05/07/choose-travel-tips-for-safe-travel/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 18:51:00 +0000 adminwil http://letstravelphilippines.com/?p=2045 Read more »]]> Are you going for the vacation? Have you found any travel agency which is provided cheap fares on travel services? If your answer is no, don’t worry about this because always we are having options. Traveling is one of the best enjoyable hobbies. Many people like traveling as a hobby and they are traveling by bus, cruses, personal vehicle or airplanes.  If you don’t have a car or any vehicle to go for vacation with your family members and friends surely you will use travel agency. This option is perfect for your memorable vacation or trip. Today many popular travel companies have their agencies. Many traveling agencies are available which are offering various services and products. These agencies are selling travel products, travel tickets and offering different types and level of services. But their costs are depended on advertise of tours or packages. If you are looking any cheap travel agency with good services, you are getting them using internet.

Basic tips for Traveling:

Maintain your financial budget and make your vacation plan ready in advance. Choose any travel agency according to you budget, plan and affordable deal by using Internet. Get your ticket advance or make your online booking far in advance. Ask for discount without be afraid because Travel agencies are providing discount on their deals. Make your best strategies to save your cash and find the best deal. Be flexible; take advantage of last minute deals. Keep maps and travel book with you if it is needed otherwise you can get help of free visitor guide and free visitor information from travel and tourism office of your destination. Don’t travel with drugs or expensive things or jewelries or unnecessary credit cards and excessive amount of cash if it is possible. Keep your first aid kit or regular medication kit close to you. Always try to avoid unnecessary luggage.

Choose online travel agency:

Today you can choose any travel agency using internet. There are many online travel agencies available with their own websites. Still there are lots of travel agencies with cheap travel deals to be found online.

Online travel agencies are providing large list of trips and packages, fairs with discount prices and services like online hotel reservation, online booking for an airplane etc. They have long list of cheap and expensive hotels with affordable rates, cheap flights, travel deals and discounts.  They are also offering quality policies, best customers reviews, guidelines, term and conditions, and security of paying and online free coupons like promo codes and Online deals.

Before you choose any agencies you have to make your plan according to your financial budget ready. There are no travel agents or middle man required in online travel agency so you can easily save your cash.  You are going for vacation by using airlines. You should have little bit knowledge about airlines and their services. You can buy cheap travel air tickets if you understand how airline companies price their tickets. Air tickets can be expensive if you are not aware or you are not informed about reason of prices. You should make the booking in advance.

Now you don’t have to worry about cheap and affordable travel. Visit Expedia online travel company. Expedia is one of the largest online travel companies in the world. You can get the wide list of hotels and cheap flights at affordable prices. It is provided best customer services, easy flight searching capabilities, traveling services and Expedia discount codes to save your cash and get discount on tickets and services.

This is a guest post from Owen Hyde. If you want your articles to be published in this travel blog please check the guidelines here.

Author Bio:

Hi, I am Owen Hyde. I like traveling and shopping. I love moving to a new places and shop online for my favorite products. At present, working as Guest Author.  I am casual blogger, guest blogging as a hobby for a few years. I am passionate about writing that’s why I started blogging seriously and professionally.

Why not plan a vacation to the Philippines, a country full of adventure, culture and beauty for a great price? There are many great airfare deals from Australia and back to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Philippines. Travel to the Philippines and surrounding areas is a perfect way to learn about the culture and customs in this part of the world.

Natural Beauty and Climate

The Philippines, a beautiful country in Southeast Asia, is a wonderful place to visit. Surrounded by Taiwan to the north, Vietnam to the west, and the nearby islands of Borneo and Indonesia, the cultural history of the region is certainly worth noting. Different cultures and customs are present throughout the islands with influences of ancient Hindu, Islamic and Chinese people that once settled in the region. The tropical climate offers warm days and nights with sporadic rainfall and lush greenery everywhere. The rainforests are home to many species of plants, animals, sea creatures and over 150 species of birds that do not exist anywhere else. The Philippines have one of the longest coastlines in the world that accounts for over 2000 species of fish and 500 species of coral. The second-largest coral reef in the world, the Apo Reef, is found here where surrounding waters contain large quantities of pearls.

Culture and Cosmopolitan Cities

In addition to the natural beauty contained in the Philippines, the capital city of Manila and other cities boast major exports including clothing, coconut oil and fruits, electronic products and petroleum. Trade with the US, Japan and China is huge making up a large portion of export business that supports the economy. Manila is home to 20 million people, and offers cosmopolitan services such as buses, taxis, motorized tricycles and light rail systems. City regions abound with interesting architecture of Spanish legacy as well as contemporary structures that dot the skyline. There are festivals throughout the year, museums steeped in cultural history, theatres for entertainment, and restaurants and clubs with exciting nightlife.

Cuisine

Philippine cuisine is a rich history of Spanish, Asian, Chinese and American cultures adapted to local taste. Although Philippine cuisine is popular in many countries, local cuisine is prepared from local plants, fruits, vegetables and fish abundant to the region. Flavorful fish dishes combined with sauces, mangoes, coconuts and other fruits are popular. Rice is a staple food and it’s used for many dishes including stews and soups, salads and side dishes. The halo-halo, a popular dessert made with milk, ice, ice cream and fruits, is just one of many delicious sweet treats for a sweet tooth.

The culture, climate, beauty and cuisine are just some of the reasons to visit the Philippines. A trip to the Philippines would certainly offer anyone adventure and scenic pleasures, and there are many cheap ways to get there. Companies have travel deals with cheap airfare from Australia to the Philippines and back throughout the year.

Cheap Airfare Deals to the Philippines from Australia: (Check travel dates for availability and package prices)

* Melbourne to Manila

Escape Travel.com fr $676 per person (incl. taxes & fees)

* Sydney to Manila

Flight Centre.com fr $848 per person (incl. taxes & fees)
Escape Travel.com fr $848 per person (incl. taxes & fees)

Cheap Flights from other cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Kalgoorlie, Perth, Townsville, are also available through the above sites at various prices and times throughout the year. In addition to the above packages, additional sites offer great travel package deals from Australia to the Philippines and back:

• www.flightcentre.com.au

• www.escapetravel.com.au

• www.studentfligts.com.au

1.Check the latest travel advice for your destination and subscribe to receive free e-mail notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.

2.Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.

3.Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online or at the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive, so we can contact you in an emergency.

4.Obey the law. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards.

5.Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.

6.Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.

7.Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on travelling with medicines.

8.Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return to Australia. Some countries will refuse entry on arrival and some airlines will not allow passengers to board flights if their passport does not meet this requirement. Before travelling, you should contact the Embassy or High Commission of each country you intend to visit to confirm the entry requirements.

9.Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas.

10.Before departing Australia check whether you are regarded as a national of the country you intend to visit. Research whether holding dual nationality has any implications for your travel. Adopted from: smartraveller.gov.au

NOTE: This is my opinion as to what I believe will be helpful for every person who wanted to have a great time on traveling around the beautiful place of the world!

TOP5 Things to consider about vacation….

Plan your vacation place. Make it sure that the place you’ll going to visit with will simply give you the peacefulness you want ’cause if not you will just waisting your money, time and effort. Be subjective if possible.

Look for a cheap and affordable vacation home. Since, you consider to have a great and ample vacation you have also to consider looking for an affordable vacation home which you think is suitable for you nor for you family and loved-ones.

Try vacationing with your family and loved-ones. Absolutely! Simply because this is the only time you can be together without any barriers nor interruptions from work. This really helps to have a strong relationship with them.

Prepare everything you need. Definitely! such like your passport, plane ticket reservation, clothes you will bring, and some other material things which you think is indeed a demand for you to avoid spending much of your money.

Enjoy your vacation. What should I say? Well, enjoy it up to the last day of your stay ’cause vacation is also an investment! Not an investment for property nor any things but an investment for yourself to be relax, breath and face the realities of life.

Have a safe travel nor vacation everyone!…

BURNING FACT

The ultraviolet (UV) rays are the invisible light from the sun that can burn out our skin and cause severe damage to the body. It has three kinds: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultra violet C (UVC). UVA rays cause minor sunburns, whereas UVB rays result to acute and obvious burns. Excessive exposure to the latter may lead to skin cancer. UVC rays brings about little consequence, as they are trapped by the atmosphere, hardly reaching the earth’s surface.As ultraviolet radiation penetrates the surface of your skin, cells several layers down increase melanin production ( melanin is the coloration of the skin ). The pigment, or the natural substance that gives color to the skin, then migrates to and darkens the uppermost layers. Your tan may appear two to three days after being expose to the sun, and it may last from several days to months. depending on the frequency of your exposure.

APPRAISING SUNSCREENS

Sunscreens work either by absorbing ultraviolet radiation or by physically blocking it from reaching your skin. But to really take advantage of the protection it offers, you have to know what suits you best. Find a sunscreen with increased protection against both UVA and UVB rays. A sun protection factors (SPF) of 15 or higher is recommended. But if you have a sensitive skin, a history of skin cancer, or if spend long periods outdoors, then you ought to buy a sunscreen with an SPF of 30. 

Anyhow, I’d like to stress out that upon considering a skin treatment be more aware as to whom you will refer your skin problem. For that, let me refer you to docshop.com ’cause they got a great and reliable educational resources on skin treatment as to whom you will go. With them you are sure to have a great insights as to what to do on your skin problem. Aside from that, they really had a reliable articles that will taught you about cosmetic surgery and with them you’ll be able to find an excellent plastic surgeon that will solve your skin problem. So, for those people out there who are searching a plastic surgeons and opted to consider a cosmetic surgery better grab the chance now to visit their site and find the best one!