Flying on Bankrupt Airlines

By Summer Fey Foovay

This week Delta and Northwest Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. United Airlines and U.S. Airways filed earlier this year for bankruptcy protection. If you have a ticket from one of those airlines, or frequent flyer miles, chances are you are pretty worried!

Althought United Airlines and U.S. Airways filed bankruptcy in 2002, travelers have found this to have very little effect on their plans. Experts advise that you evaluate ticket purchases as you always do, with preference, price, and convienence your main priorities. However, it is advised that you pay for your tickets with a credit card if possible. That will make it easier for you to get a refund, if necessary.

If you have already purchased a ticket on one of these airlines, it is best to call ahead of time and make sure that your flight is still scheduled as planned. Airlines that have filed for bankruptcy are looking for ways to save money, and some flights may be canceled or rescheduled.

If you have frequent flyer miles on one of these airlines chances are you have little to worry about. One of the first things the airlines will do is ask the judge to protect their frequent flyers, as it is a guarentee of sorts of customer loyalty. However, it’s probably best to use those miles now, rather than stockpiling them for an uncertain future.

If you are planning a trip and are considering purchasing tickets on one of these airlines, you should avoid buying tickets more than six months ahead of time. Again, because they will be rescheduling and canceling some routes to save money and you might be affected. Having an alternate travel plan is a good idea, too. A refund will do you no good, if you cannot get where you are going when you need or want to go.

If your flight is canceled you can get a refund. Be sure and read the airlines “contract of carriage”, which is usually available on their website, for details.

If you’ve been thinking about a trip and plan to fly – now might be the time to do it. Higher fares and more bankruptcy filings are expected, partially as a result of the higher fuel costs.

About the Author
Summer Fey Foovay is the webmaster for Thrifty World Travel. A writer, artist and webdesigner, you can find links to all of her work at Demented-pixie.com