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/2010/10/27/top-10-travel-tips/ http://letstravelphilippines.com/2010/10/27/top-10-travel-tips/#comments Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:30:08 +0000 adminwil http://letstravelphilippines.com/?p=1668 Read more »]]> May this travel tips helps you as it helps me too. Keep track of your travel things and route. Enjoy!

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. 

1. Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company’s address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well.
2. Stay with your luggage until the luggage is checked. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle.
3. Carry important papers with you; NEVER check anything that you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.
4. Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed.
5. Make sure that your prescription medicines are filled properly and labeled accurately. In some countries certain prescription medicines are forbidden.
6. Never wear anything that projects affluence. No gold chains, expensive watches and rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia should be in easy view. Better yet: leave your jewelry at home.
7. If possible travel with only one or two credit cards.
8. Women particularly should never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
9. Vary your schedule; try not to come and go at the same time everyday.
10. Only stay in a hotel that uses cards to open room doors and make sure your room has a peephole and a deadbolt lock. Secure the chain and secure the door by pushing a rubber stop under it.
11. Stay in a room near a stairwell. Never take the elevator if a fire or smoke is detected. Always stay in a hotel where the doors enter the hallway and not directly from the outside.
12. Do not wear name tags in public.
13. Do not use unmarked taxi cabs.
14. Sit behind the driver so you can see him, but he cannot see you.
15. Pay the driver upon arriving at your destination and while you are still sitting in the vehicle.
16. If you must rent a car, rent only from a reputable company. Any operating problems that occur could signal sabotage.
17. Be aware of ‘staged’ car accidents meant to catch you off card.
18. Back into your parking spaces to facilitate a quick exit.
19. Park only in well lit and well traveled areas.
20. If your cell phone does not work outside of the country, consider renting one that does for the duration of your trip.
21. If detained for whatever reason by an official, ask for identification. If in doubt, tell them that you want to see his superior. Keep your emotions in check.
22. If traveling with children, bring along an updated photograph of each child in the event that you become separated from them.
23. Write your child’s name and your hotel number on each card; include a close friend’s or relative’s contact information on the card. Give a card to each child which they will carry with them as long as you are away. Destroy once home.
24. Discuss with your family what they would do in event of an emergency while away from home, e.g. whom to call, how to contact emergency personnel, etc.
25. Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers.
26. Bring along a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, alcohol packets, dramamine, pepto bismol, diarrhea medicine, etc.
27. Familiarize yourself with train and bus schedules before traveling. Have an alternate plan in place in the event your transportation plans change.
28. Do not flash your passport in public. Discreetly show important documents to officials only.
29. Consider purchasing portable alarms that emit a loud sound.
30. Watch for scams on the street. Children working with adults are notorious as pickpockets.
31. Never flash your money in public. Exchange funds with reputable and recognized exchangers only.
32. Have tips ready in advance for service personnel.
33. Consider renting an escort [security] service if traveling in areas where crime is high.

The key to safe traveling in any area is situational awareness. Distractions because of luggage, children, hotel personnel, strangers, etc. can put you at risk. Know your surroundings and stay in control of every situation.

Adapted from: Matthew Keegan – Ezine Articles

* Only carry what you need because “weight restirctions change all the time and if you show up overweight, it could set you back a lot. Check the weight restrictions online for whatever airline you’re flying with as airlines vary, I recommend buying a small portable scale to check your suitcase before showing up at the airport.

* I suggest taking valuables in your hand luggage in the (unlikely) event that your suitcase doesn’t turn up at your destination. Keep all medication on you at all times – you might have an emergency on board, plus that particular medication might not be easy to get at your final destination.

* For Frequent flyers, I suggest business travellers pack “a comfortable and versatile outfit that you can not only change into on the flight which you can have as a buckup in case there’s a mess on the flight or you checked in luggage getslost and doen’t turn up – and you should already be travelling in a versatile pair of comfortable shoes.

* Limit the amount of clothes you’ll need by packing colour coordinated items and only one or two pairs of shoes that you can wear with multiple outfits – ditto accessories. If you can’t carry what you’ve packed, you’ve probably got too much.

Anyhow, traveling around the world has its pros and cons too. Of course, you will definitely enjoy while roaming around the place you visit anf enjoy every luxury things you get. But the fact shows that even if how careful we are in doing such things while relaxing we still meet accident and injury whom we never expect to happen. Because of that we need to double check if safety practices on the said area/place has been practiced by most. Through that this will ensure that we are safe while enjoying all the things on vacation.

So, for people out there who are in need of legal advice from a reliable attorneys better consult them now and let them help you throught out the way!