The issue with flights cancellation

Dear Editor

I would like to respond to your article regarding Samoa Air and its cancelled flights. First and foremost, all airlines are contractually obligated to accommodate their passengers when the carrier cancels it’s flights due to mechanical, they are to provide hotels, meals and flight options with no charge to the passengers. 

Second, if the carrier cancels its flight due to weather, the carrier is to rebook passengers with no charge or offer a full refund if passenger decline new flights.

Both options are available mostly if passenger requests to be compensated but highly unlikely the carrier offers upfront.

If the carrier advises cancellation is due to weather it does not necessarily mean it’s the departure city but could be a downline city or on route.

Even if a passenger purchased travel insurance it does not help you when cancellation occurs but only after the fact. 

Like a bereavement fare, you pay the full amount of the fare but then you need to provide evidence the deceased is related to the passenger, with a lot of back and forth with the carrier via their customer service department.

The bottom line, unless the passenger is a frequent traveler an airline employee or a travel agent and knows what the airline is obligated to provide they will be left to fend for themselves. 

Sad but true. Best of Luck.

 

Stella

Samoa Observer

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