These days, not too many people are flying – at least not as much in the old days. This means that airlines are offering fewer and fewer flights, even in the peak of summer. As such, it is still possible that you get bumped off your flight. Alternatively, you can also have your flight canceled. Either way, you might find yourself grounded at the airport.
Some people do not mind being bumped from their flight or having their flight cancelled. This is especially true for those who are in no particular hurry. And why not? More often than not, people in this position find themselves getting a lot of freebies. But this is not always the case. And if ever you do find yourself out of a flight or your flight gets cancelled, it would be great to know your rights as a traveler.
For example, did you know that if you are bumped from a domestic flight in the US, it is within your legal right to receive payment from the airline? The payment is the price of a one-way ticket up to $400 – that is, if you are rescheduled to fly and get to your destination within 2 hours of the original time. If this time period goes beyond 2 hours, you can receive up to $800!
Another example is to look out for the signs that some airlines put right outside the boarding gate. These signs offer cash vouchers for those who volunteer to be bumped off. My tip? Wait till the departure time gets nearer. Usually, the value of the vouchers go higher then.
I remember all the hullaballoo about deep vein thrombosis, blood clots forming in your legs when you sit still for very long periods of time. Sitting behind a desk every day, sitting at home, etc – all these are “activities” that may leave you prone to blood clots. Air travel, in particular, is one of the main sources of concern. Short flights, of course, do not pose much of a threat, but extended flights just might.
