Hi everyone!

I am sure a lot of you have heard on the news about the grounding and cancelations of thousands of flights.  Let me tell you what I have been dealing with as an industry insider…

First of all, 2/3 of my clients who were booked on either ATA or Aloha were able to use the cost of their tickets towards the purchase of new tickets on a different carrier.  These are clients who purchased a prepackaged deal, and who, in essence, purchased tickets from American Express Vacations instead of directly through the airlines.  This is definately a plus for those interested in booking with a travel agent.  I have clients who ended up paying the difference, which is twice what their original tickets were, but at least their money is not simply gone. 

I do have some clients who insisted on trying to cut the price of their package by booking ATA flights directly from the  airlines.  These people did not get any credit and now have to dispute the charge with the airlines through their credit card company.  One couple was so upset, they canceled their honeymoon.

I have been receiving a lot of calls and emails about people concerned with the airlines.  There is really nothing that can be done.  No one is sure how the government will intervene with bankrupsies, and no one is sure what will be happening next.  As far as we know, American Airlines should be fine once they meet the high maitence standards, and should be flying soon.

The upside of clients who book with us is that if they are stranded, if their flights are canceld or if the airline they are on goes out of business, my clients can rely on me to assist.  Wether they need a place to stay, a new ticket or advise, they have the safty of the largest seller of travel in the world.  On top of that, they have a personal travel agent who is ready with a friendly greeting and a breath of calm.

So what can you do?  Well…

1.  If you have already booked, there is nothing much you can do.  I suggest that if you paid with a credit card, that you contact your card and ask if there is any travel purchase protection plans you can buy into.  This would protect the amount you charge with your credit card and should bankrupsy occure, may offer some protection.  Talk to your credit card company, as each one is different.

2.  If you have yet to book, try to fly on big name airlines versers smaller/cheaper airlines that are less stable.  A good rule of thumb is if it flies internationally and nationally, they are large enough.

3.  Ask your travel agent if they offer any insurence that covers trip interuption, travel company disbandment and bankrupsy.  Make sure to refer to your policies terms and conditions.

Just remember, this upheaval is effecting travelers, travel agents, tour operators, hotels, other airlines and credit card companies in a big way.  If you are feeling a bit stressed, taken advantage of and depressed about alternatives, you are not alone.  The greater part of everyone’s week, both this week and last, was spent trying to resolve these issues as best we can!  No matter who you are talking to, be it your travel agent, your tour operator, your airline of choice or your credit card company, we all still value you, our customer, and will be doing are best to work to offer you the best options available.

Thanks to everyone for their patience in the last weeks!