|
|
Rule 240 provision
Go to airport. Check in. Discover flight has been canceled. (Canceled?)
Notice lines have tripled and agents have disappeared. Wonder how you’ll make
it to bro’s wedding tomorrow.
Throw tantrum. Fake seizure. Down three-ounce liquor bottle in carry-on.
(Crap. It’s shampoo.)
Then, as everyone else calls unavailable travel agencies, remember to declare
Rule 240 — a nifty and little-known airline ordinance that spells out
passengers’ rights in the event of delays, cancellations, missed connections,
and other issues “within the control” of the airline.
Suddenly, you’re en route to Fresno.
Here’s the deal: If flight troubles are due to mechanical difficulties or
airline incompetence, and another airline can get you to your destination
sooner, the original airline is obligated to transfer you. No, this doesn’t
include weather delays. But once the sky clears, the airline should book you
on the next flight. All the big legacy carriers have a Rule 240 provision, but
some low-fare flyers do not (like JetBlue, though we love their Bill of
Rights).
And though it’s pretty dorky, you should carry a copy of the airline’s 240
rules. It’ll come in handy when employees don’t know — or don’t tell — about
the policy. (You snooze, you lose.)
Unless, of course, you’d rather spend the night on the chairs at gate 115. |
|
