Air travel woes
Discussion
Some friends and I were travelling up to Scotland for the bank holiday on a well known, if not much loved, budget air carrier.
5 of the 6 of us checked in early in the week. One waited until 4pm on the day of travel (we were flying at 8pm). However, he was unable to print his outbound ticket (only the return).
On arrival at the airport, he was told that the flight was overbooked, that he wasn't going to get on that flight and to report to the "help" desk.
Needless to say, the drone at the help desk was utterly unhelpful and unsympathetic (offering him a flight on Saturday - to return on Sunday - no thanks!).
So, he missed the flight, wasted a day off work, and spent a fortune for the privilege. Not to mention the fact that his long-planned bank holiday was ruined at a stroke.
I'm sure that the airline will refund him the cost of his flights and other expenses.
The question is, can he take them for more?
My suggestion that he charter a PJ probably wouldn't have been deemed to be a reasonably mitigation by the Court but he couldn't face going back to Euston to catch the sleeper.
Any thoughts on how to drag these guys over the coals would be much appreciated.
5 of the 6 of us checked in early in the week. One waited until 4pm on the day of travel (we were flying at 8pm). However, he was unable to print his outbound ticket (only the return).
On arrival at the airport, he was told that the flight was overbooked, that he wasn't going to get on that flight and to report to the "help" desk.
Needless to say, the drone at the help desk was utterly unhelpful and unsympathetic (offering him a flight on Saturday - to return on Sunday - no thanks!).
So, he missed the flight, wasted a day off work, and spent a fortune for the privilege. Not to mention the fact that his long-planned bank holiday was ruined at a stroke.
I'm sure that the airline will refund him the cost of his flights and other expenses.
The question is, can he take them for more?
My suggestion that he charter a PJ probably wouldn't have been deemed to be a reasonably mitigation by the Court but he couldn't face going back to Euston to catch the sleeper.
Any thoughts on how to drag these guys over the coals would be much appreciated.
Just to clarify a few points:
1) He had checked in online, but could not print his boarding pass?
2) They refused to reprint his boarding pass and said the flight was full?
If 1 & 2, then I'm confused as to how he could not be one of the passengers that were making the flight "full"? Unless they, once he arrived and declared that he did not have a boarding pass, reed his seat for someone wait listed?
1) He had checked in online, but could not print his boarding pass?
2) They refused to reprint his boarding pass and said the flight was full?
If 1 & 2, then I'm confused as to how he could not be one of the passengers that were making the flight "full"? Unless they, once he arrived and declared that he did not have a boarding pass, reed his seat for someone wait listed?
Apologies, apparently I was not clear.
1. He had bought his tickets.
2. He logged on to check in online on the day of travel
3. When he did so, he was unable to check in/print off his outbound ticket (no reason was given for this)
4. He therefore went to the check in desk at the airport (2 hours before departure) where he was told that the flight was overbooked and he would not be flying.
1. He had bought his tickets.
2. He logged on to check in online on the day of travel
3. When he did so, he was unable to check in/print off his outbound ticket (no reason was given for this)
4. He therefore went to the check in desk at the airport (2 hours before departure) where he was told that the flight was overbooked and he would not be flying.
How do you check in without getting you assigned seat?
Maybe I missing something but when I check in (at the earliest possible oppotunity) I have to choose my seat at the same time to get to the stage of getting a boarding pass... if I couldnt print I would be ringing up there and then.
(was half way through my reply when the OP stated that friend didnt actually check in as they waited too long to do so.
Maybe I missing something but when I check in (at the earliest possible oppotunity) I have to choose my seat at the same time to get to the stage of getting a boarding pass... if I couldnt print I would be ringing up there and then.
(was half way through my reply when the OP stated that friend didnt actually check in as they waited too long to do so.
Edited by Du1point8 on Tuesday 27th May 10:27
OutOfSync said:
Apologies, apparently I was not clear.
1. He had bought his tickets.
2. He logged on to check in online on the day of travel
3. When he did so, he was unable to check in/print off his outbound ticket (no reason was given for this)
4. He therefore went to the check in desk at the airport (2 hours before departure) where he was told that the flight was overbooked and he would not be flying.
OK, so he was not checked in though he tried to.1. He had bought his tickets.
2. He logged on to check in online on the day of travel
3. When he did so, he was unable to check in/print off his outbound ticket (no reason was given for this)
4. He therefore went to the check in desk at the airport (2 hours before departure) where he was told that the flight was overbooked and he would not be flying.
Vaud said:
May be in the small print somewhere that if you are not checked in by a certain time, the seat may be reallocated and you will only be flown on a reasonable endeavours basis, etc.
Worth scouring the small print before seeking any action.
No, the obligation to check in is only to have done so in time to get through security 45 minutes before departure.Worth scouring the small print before seeking any action.
You should/do not have to check in online to be guranteed a seat. Buying a confirmed ticket is what "guarantees" a seat.
It is 100% airlines fault for overbooking and Not only should your mate get his ticket money back, he should get some compensation.
Please see Denied Boarding Regulations.
It is 100% airlines fault for overbooking and Not only should your mate get his ticket money back, he should get some compensation.
Please see Denied Boarding Regulations.
Edited by Eclassy on Tuesday 27th May 10:42
OutOfSync said:
No, the obligation to check in is only to have done so in time to get through security 45 minutes before departure.
As I said, check the terms. Picking one at random (the orange coloured carrier):Prior to arriving at the airport for Your scheduled flight, You must check-in online and either print Your boarding pass or download a mobile boarding pass if you are flying from an airport where they are accepted. To check-in online, you must go on our website and click on the Manage Bookings section on the top right-hand side of the homepage, enter the booking reference details you received when booking your flight(s) and follow the onscreen instructions. You must complete the online check-in for Your scheduled Flight(s) between 30 days and 2 hours before the scheduled departure of Your Flight. Once You have checked-in online, You must also either print Your boarding pass or, if you are flying from an airport where they are accepted, download a mobile boarding pass and take it to the airport with You. You will also be able to check-in online and print Your boarding pass or download a mobile boarding pass (if you are flying from an airport where they are accepted) for any subsequent flight(s), including Your return flight, which are scheduled to depart within 30 days.
As I read it, he may have been in breach of the terms (assuming this carrier) in which case they made an offer to resolve. IF this was the case, why is he entitled to anything? Other carriers terms do seem to vary.
OutOfSync said:
Vaud said:
May be in the small print somewhere that if you are not checked in by a certain time, the seat may be reallocated and you will only be flown on a reasonable endeavours basis, etc.
Worth scouring the small print before seeking any action.
No, the obligation to check in is only to have done so in time to get through security 45 minutes before departure.Worth scouring the small print before seeking any action.
RyanAie for one have the following:
RyanAir said:
DENIED BOARDING
Ryanair, as a policy, does not overbook its flights. However, in the unlikely event that a seat is not available for a passenger with a confirmed reservation, we will seek volunteers to surrender their seats in exchange for benefits that we and the volunteer may agree upon before involuntarily denying boarding to other passengers. If there are insufficient volunteers and we deny you boarding involuntarily, you are entitled to the rights set out below.
Compo is:Ryanair, as a policy, does not overbook its flights. However, in the unlikely event that a seat is not available for a passenger with a confirmed reservation, we will seek volunteers to surrender their seats in exchange for benefits that we and the volunteer may agree upon before involuntarily denying boarding to other passengers. If there are insufficient volunteers and we deny you boarding involuntarily, you are entitled to the rights set out below.
RyanAir said:
1. RIGHT TO COMPENSATION
If you are involuntarily denied boarding or your flight is cancelled (provided an exception as specified above does not apply), you are entitled to receive the following amount from us:
 250 in respect of all flights of 1,500km or less; or
 400 in respect of all intra-EU flights of more than 1,500km, and for all other flights between 1,500km and 3,500km.
If we are able to offer you re-routing on an alternative flight and the arrival time of the re-routed flight does not exceed the scheduled arrival time of the flight booked:
 by two hours, in respect of all flights of 1,500km or less; or
 by three hours, in respect of all intra-EU flights of more than 1,500km, and for all other flights between 1,500km and 3,500km.
the compensation set out above will be reduced by 50%.
Distances shall be measured by the great circle route method.
2. RIGHT TO REIMBURSEMENT OR RE-ROUTING
If you are denied boarding (whether voluntarily or involuntarily) or your flight is cancelled, you are additionally entitled to choose between:
(a) reimbursement in accordance with Article 7(3) of the Regulation; or
Notice it doesnt finish there, but the above is all that is relevant in this case as there was no possiblity of a re-route on such a short flight and no need for right of care (no staying in hotels, etc).If you are involuntarily denied boarding or your flight is cancelled (provided an exception as specified above does not apply), you are entitled to receive the following amount from us:
 250 in respect of all flights of 1,500km or less; or
 400 in respect of all intra-EU flights of more than 1,500km, and for all other flights between 1,500km and 3,500km.
If we are able to offer you re-routing on an alternative flight and the arrival time of the re-routed flight does not exceed the scheduled arrival time of the flight booked:
 by two hours, in respect of all flights of 1,500km or less; or
 by three hours, in respect of all intra-EU flights of more than 1,500km, and for all other flights between 1,500km and 3,500km.
the compensation set out above will be reduced by 50%.
Distances shall be measured by the great circle route method.
2. RIGHT TO REIMBURSEMENT OR RE-ROUTING
If you are denied boarding (whether voluntarily or involuntarily) or your flight is cancelled, you are additionally entitled to choose between:
(a) reimbursement in accordance with Article 7(3) of the Regulation; or
So if RyanAir, you would get the flights back and 250 Euros in Compo, not sure who would be the hotel, Im assuming that is the credit card or the travel insurance.
Vaud said:
OutOfSync said:
No, the obligation to check in is only to have done so in time to get through security 45 minutes before departure.
As I said, check the terms. Picking one at random (the orange coloured carrier):Prior to arriving at the airport for Your scheduled flight, You must check-in online and either print Your boarding pass or download a mobile boarding pass if you are flying from an airport where they are accepted. To check-in online, you must go on our website and click on the Manage Bookings section on the top right-hand side of the homepage, enter the booking reference details you received when booking your flight(s) and follow the onscreen instructions. You must complete the online check-in for Your scheduled Flight(s) between 30 days and 2 hours before the scheduled departure of Your Flight. Once You have checked-in online, You must also either print Your boarding pass or, if you are flying from an airport where they are accepted, download a mobile boarding pass and take it to the airport with You. You will also be able to check-in online and print Your boarding pass or download a mobile boarding pass (if you are flying from an airport where they are accepted) for any subsequent flight(s), including Your return flight, which are scheduled to depart within 30 days.
As I read it, he may have been in breach of the terms (assuming this carrier) in which case they made an offer to resolve. IF this was the case, why is he entitled to anything? Other carriers terms do seem to vary.
Du1point8 said:
The guy in question, whilst cutting it very very fine, did compile by trying to do the online check-in 4 hours before departure (they quote 2hours before is the very latest), it was the orange people (if they used them) that would be in breach of contract for this.
Problem would be proving it was a system fault when the flight is full of people who managed to checkin. Ditto via mobile app. But I take your point. A full refund would be probable. But consequential loss?
I think what this boils down to is that the mate didn't check-in within the time specified, so his seat was lost.
Whether it was resold, overbooked or whatever isn't especially relevant.
The cheaper the ticket and the 'cheaper' the airline the more likely they are to have tight limits for stuff like this.
If you're getting cheap tickets, you absolutely have to book in early and arrive at the airport early.
It sucks - but that's the way it is.
Whether it was resold, overbooked or whatever isn't especially relevant.
The cheaper the ticket and the 'cheaper' the airline the more likely they are to have tight limits for stuff like this.
If you're getting cheap tickets, you absolutely have to book in early and arrive at the airport early.
It sucks - but that's the way it is.
Du1point8 said:
The guy in question, whilst cutting it very very fine, did compile by trying to do the online check-in 4 hours before departure (they quote 2hours before is the very latest), it was the orange people (if they used them) that would be in breach of contract for this.
Your mate has nothing to worry about. He will get his flight money and the compensation set by law. But that will be about it. He wont get any more. Easyjet's own website ONLY recommends you check in online so it doesnt matter if your mate tried to or not. As long as he turned up at the airport in good time for his flight he is entitled to compensation if he was denied boarding through no fault of his.
http://www.easyjet.com/en/flying/check-in-online
Eclassy said:
Your mate has nothing to worry about. He will get his flight money and the compensation set by law. But that will be about it. He wont get any more.
Easyjet's own website ONLY recommends you check in online so it doesnt matter if your mate tried to or not. As long as he turned up at the airport in good time for his flight he is entitled to compensation if he was denied boarding through no fault of his.
http://www.easyjet.com/en/flying/check-in-online
That's interesting in the case of Easyjet - their Terms and Conditions are at odds with that section of the website.Easyjet's own website ONLY recommends you check in online so it doesnt matter if your mate tried to or not. As long as he turned up at the airport in good time for his flight he is entitled to compensation if he was denied boarding through no fault of his.
http://www.easyjet.com/en/flying/check-in-online
Snowboy said:
I think what this boils down to is that the mate didn't check-in within the time specified, so his seat was lost.
Whether it was resold, overbooked or whatever isn't especially relevant.
The cheaper the ticket and the 'cheaper' the airline the more likely they are to have tight limits for stuff like this.
If you're getting cheap tickets, you absolutely have to book in early and arrive at the airport early.
It sucks - but that's the way it is.
He was prevented from checking in for the outbound flight by the airline (which is Sleazy Jet), even though he tried to do so within the time limit (ie the afternoon of departure, about 4 hours before take off). Whether it was resold, overbooked or whatever isn't especially relevant.
The cheaper the ticket and the 'cheaper' the airline the more likely they are to have tight limits for stuff like this.
If you're getting cheap tickets, you absolutely have to book in early and arrive at the airport early.
It sucks - but that's the way it is.
It is 100% the airline's fault - they admitted that they overbooked the flight and that it was simply the last 5 to check in who were prevented from doing so.
My question is not whether they are liable - they are - but what he can get out of them as far as compo is concerned. Obviously his losses on the flights and sundry expenses getting to the airport etc but anything else?
What is completely nuts is the fact that they wouldn't let him go on stand by in case someone didn't turn up because they have a "no stand by rule". So even if there had been an empty seat on the plane because someone was stuck on the train or whatever, he would still have been forced to miss the flight. Unbelievable.
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