ReveNews
Air Travel - Invoke Rule 240!
I go to conferences a few (or more) times a year, I almost always fly … 50% of the time there is some issue with the flight .. just always is - maybe its bad luck. It may be caused by weather, overbooking or technical difficulties caused by the airline. We cannot control the weather or “acts of god” or even mechanical issues, but there is a little known gem to be aware of when it comes to mechanical delays. — Rule 240.
Flights Canceled, Delayed and Rule 240 as defined at - www.ExecutiveBlueprints.com
If your flight is cancelled or delayed for more than 2 Hours:
An airline must must deliver you to your destination within two hours of the originally scheduled flight time. If the airline can not, it must make arrangements for you on another carrier at no additional cost. If there is no acceptable flight on the original or alternative carrier airline, you are entitled to a full refund (even if you have a non-refundable ticket).
This is great when a plane breaks down, you just go up to the ticket agent and politely ask to be put on another flight as soon as possible … if and when they inform you that they cannot, then tell them you wish to invoke Rule 240 - they know what it is as it is required during their training through the airlines. I would recommend that you carry a printed copy of your airlines Rule 240, so you can reference it if needed.
OneTravel.com has a search function that will search most of the major airline’s “Contract of Carriage”
.. a couple examples (that I had to use recently):
http://www.alaskaair.com/…/tariff/domestic/tariff_domestic_section6.asp
http://www.united.com/ual/asset/COC15JAN07.pdf
Some additional reading from ComPilots.com:
If your flight is cancelled or delayed for reasons other than weather, Rule 240 states that the airline should put you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra charge, even that means using another carrier. Many ticket / counter agents are not familiar with Rule 240, and most will not offer it. It is up to you to inform them. Politely ask for a Supervisor if necessary, and be aware that Rule 240 may vary slightly based on the airline carrier.
Always remember to be polite, respectful and patient regardless of the circumstances. The ticket agent is not responsible for the delay, but that person could be your hero in the event of unexpected delays.Rule 240 only applies for factors that are within the airline carrier’s control.
Rule 240 applies in the event of Mechanical Problems, Misconnection, Substitution of Equipment or Class of Service, Schedule Change that requires you to be rerouted, Lack of Airline Crew, Schedule Change and Overbooked flights (”bumped”). Rule 240 does not apply in the event of Force Major events like weather, strike, labor disputes, civil commotions, war, government regulation, airport is closed, fuel shortage or “Acts of God”. If you are delayed more than Four Hours between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM, you may be entitled to Hotel Accommodations, unless it is your home city of departure. This may include additional amenities at the discretion of the airline carrier as necessary for the safety and welfare of unaccompanied minors, senior citizens or disabilities.
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I can’t seem to figure out what this has to do with Search Engine Marketing or any aspect of online revenue for that matter.
Rule 240 isn’t as simple as you’ve presented it. The airline you wish to be re-ticketed upon must have a reciprocal agreement with the airline you are actually ticketed upon. Most low cost carriers (which account for a significant amount of U.S. domestic air travel) do not have reciprocal agreements with other airlines, so don’t expect United to re-ticket you on Southwest or vice versa.
Sheryl, I consider it related to Internet marketing, be it affiliate marketing or search marketing. Educating about such rules can help affiliates for example. It is also some good information in general.
I avoid air travel as much as I can due to the time it takes to see an airplane nowadays, not to mention the security checks that mutated into something beyond safety and anti-terrorism IMO. Plus I am a smoker which adds a lot more problems to the whole process.
I somehow end up in an airplane at least once or twice a year anyway which puts me probably below the average among marketers. I am glad that I don’t have to fly twice a week anymore as I had to when I was back in Germany.
I saw the rule 240 more than once in action without knowing about it. I did not have the misfortune to test how it works for domestic flights, but for international and pan-European flights. I use 75% United (Star Alliance, Lufthansa, Air France) and 25% American (One-World, Swissair, British Airways). I only ended up flying Southwest and Delta once or twice.
It makes sense to find out the details about the rule for your airline or airlines of choice and how it works with partner and non partner airlines.
It helps sometimes during discussions if you know your rights. It can save a lot of time and headaches. Thanks Scott.
Sheryl - thank you for pointing out the categorization … wasn’t sure where to stick it. This post pertains to anyone in our industry - basically, anyone that travels via airlines.
Each airline has their own carrier agreement - that is why I recommend you keep a printed copy with you when you travel. It is always better to be informed as a traveler, than not …
Carsten - thanks for your input as well .. glad to see another traveler has had some experience with Rule 240 … I personally have used it over 15 times in the last 10 years of traveling - it has come in handy.
Great meeting you at Affiliate Dinner as well …
Scott
“you just go up to the ticket agent and politely ask to be put on another flight as soon as possible … if and when they inform you that they cannot, then tell them you wish to invoke Rule 240″
Hmmmm I would agree with this was a worthwhile article as well
Are you sure that you use the “politely” part when invoking the rule????
I find this very informational. It pertains to anyone who travels, which is pretty well all of us. Thanks Scott. Good stuff.
Scott, thanks for the informative post. This will be useful.
As for categorization, I seem to be the one who writes a lot of these. Due to past complaints, I tend to limit them to Fridays (or the weekend). I created “Random Thoughts” for articles like this one. It doesn’t show up on the home page categories but it keeps the masses happy.
Thanks Scott. I am still stalking US Airways for some type of comp. I wish I would have known about this rule before. Oh well, I am sure I will be able to use it soon anyways!