I bet that you are already counting the days till you get break loose from your office and head off to some remote island for your summer break! I don’t want to burst your bubble but I thought I’d share this article I read on MSNBC about how airlines are going to change this summer. It’s not really negative thinking. Let’s put it this way – it’s better to know and be prepared rather than live in blissful ignorance UNTIL the stark facts scream at you in the face. So here goes.
That’s not my carrier. With airline alliances becoming more common, you might show up to your flight only to find that you’re flying on a completely different airline than the one you booked.
If you are not particular about the plane you will be taking, this should not be a problem. However, if you want a specific airline, then make sure that when you book, you find out if there is a clause that says “Operated by…” because sometimes, it might be the operator’s airplane that would take you to your destination.
I think you said Tokyo. Year after year, computers are replacing ever more employees. This year you will run into more of them than usual. Whether it is for booking, check-in, customer service, or flight information, chances are that a computer will be in your air travel future. If you thought it was frustrating dealing with an outsourced ticket agent from Bangladesh, just try booking a ticket with an exasperating computer that after completing a plethora of voice-activated menu choices, insists that you said Tokyo instead of Chicago, and when you start your rage of vulgarities, it actually recognizes those words and hangs up on you.
Ha ha – I don’t think I have to explain that, do I? If you feel more comfortable dealing with people, then by all means do so. Don’t let technology ruin your trip!