Standing room only flights?!
By ShepherdSpy
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
Omagh, Northern Ireland
October 7, 2010 1:34pm CST
I just read this article..basically,a Russian charter airliner at full capacity developed some mechanical problem that resulted in it being taken out of service for that flight...Fortunately for most (wait for it..) of the passengers due to fly that day,they DID have a reserve aircraft available..UNfortunately,this reserve aircraft was 6 seats smaller then the one it replaced,so the "extra" passengers were given the option of waiting for another flight 7 hours later,or stand throughout the flight on the replacement aircraft..ALL of them chose to make the flight with their group,but have since asked for more compensation than the airline offered them..
http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2010/10/airline-standing-room-only/126296/4#uslPageReturn
So..Would YOU have taken the flight under those conditions? Would you have taken being Bumped from that flight,or taken your chances flying unsecured and without a seat on a flight? I have to assume the Captain authorised this happening,as they have final say on who flies or not..Ever been bumped from a flight when it was overbooked? what were your alternatives?
3 responses
@allamgirl (2140)
• Philippines
9 Oct 10
is that serious? i think that's illegal or something. people over the age of two years old are required to have a seat in the aircraft. i work as a ground staff at the airport. i personally know that our captains would never allow it. if i were a passenger on that flight, i would opt to be bumped off then get compensation for it, like a free ticket or monetary compensation.
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
9 Oct 10
The article reports that the passengers were given the option to catch another flight,only that would be 7 hours later..how they came to be offered the SRO option,and why the Captain of the aircraft then permitted it,wasn't reported..They were offered a figure in compensation,but they decided they wanted more..
@loobylou1 (20)
•
7 Oct 10
Wow thats quite scary! Think it breaks every aviation regulation going. Just what would have happened if they'd hit major turbulence. You have take your seat and buckle up when the overhead light comes on, what would have happened to the poor passengers standing up. Think the captain has to answer some rather serious questions their and if it was me standing up on a flight no matter how long the flight I would be sueing the hind legs of the air line.
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
7 Oct 10
You're taking a chance in any aircraft (When You have a booked seat!) and decide to go for a walk up the aisle to go to the toilet or galley midflight,if the aircraft should then encounter turbulence..there would be no way you could stay on your feet in severe turbulence,you'd be thrown around like a doll,suffering who knows what sort of injuries..That's why airlines recommend you keep your belt fastened loose midflight,not to unbuckle it altogether..Although these people made it home unscathed,I don't think they should have been given the choice to tag along..
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
8 Oct 10
I have never been bumped from a flight. When I was checking in for a flight from Male in the Maldives to London they put a priority label on my baggage and gave me a boarding pass. I had been put in business class even thought I had only paid for economy class. I think they were short of seats in economy class due to overbooking but luckily had a few seats vacant in business class. That was an excellent flight in terms of comfort and service.
I feel sorry for the standing passengers on the Russian charter airliner. I think they should get compensation. I am an independent person. If I was in that situation I would check if I have enough catheters for my son. Say if I had got a good supply of them I would offer to spend another week in the destination. The airline would have to pay for my accommodation. I have a disabled son and a baby. So there is no way we would stand on a plane.
I traveled to Gan Island in the Maldives during my second week there. I met some Russian travelers there. They were not independently minded.
