? USA3000 re: Overbooking/cancelling flights...

[paslea_pooh]

Here is what it says prior to purchasing tickets.



**********************************************************

NOTICE: OVERBOOKING OF FLIGHTS

Airline flights may be overbooked, and there is a slight chance that a seat will not be available on a flight for which a person has a confirmed reservation.If the flight is over-booked, no one will be denied a seat until airline personnel first ask for volunteers willing to give up their reservation in exchange for a payment of the airline’s choosing.If there are not enough volunteers, the airline will deny boarding to other persons in accordance with its particular boarding priority.With few exceptions, persons denied boarding involuntarily are entitled to compensation.The complete rules for the payment of compensation and each airline’s boarding priorities are available at all airport ticket counters and boarding locations.Some airlines do not apply these consumer protections to travel from some foreign countries, although other consumer protections may be available.Check with your airline or your travel agent.



**********************************************************

Is it a common practice for airlines to overbook, how likely is this to happen and us not have a flight out to Orlando.

Has anyone experienced this with this airline or any other airline.

thanks

 

[Bob P]

It's just legalese that every airline uses on their travel contract.

We've been on many overbooked flights. Usually there is no shortage of volunteers who will take the compensation and get on the next flight. They always ask for volunteers first.

Hope this helps,

Bob

 

[Lewisc]

AFAIK Jet Blue is the only major airline that doesn't overbook.

You're focusing on the wrong section of the fine print. They can change your flight by adding a stop, making your flight a connecting flight or even completely change the time of your flight. Unless they change the day of the flight you don't have the right to demand a refund.

They can decide to stop service between the two cities and as long as it's at least 10 days before the date of your trip all you get is a refund.

USA3000 is owned by Apple Vacations and is probably more stable than some of the other charter type companies BUT it is not that uncommon for those type of airlined to cancel routes. If they want to use your airplane for charter service they may very well change or cancel your flight.

 

[Brian Noble]

Check USA's schedule, though. In many markets, at certain times of the year, they fly only 2-3 times per week or less often. It's one thing for a volunteer to delay a flight by a half day or so. It's quite another to go two days later, and that might reduce the pool of willing volunteers.

The risk of an involuntary bump is probably quite small, though. I wouldn't be overly concerned. I'd be a bit more concerned about a cancelled flight, but if the price is right, just go for it, but consider buying trip insurance.

 

[tessqt]

I don't fly very often so I don't know if getting a seat assignment makes any difference. I booked USA3000 and called to get seat assignments. The reservationist told me the plane was still pretty empty so I had my choice. Now I just hope the flights get filled up enough to fly! Oh my!