Preventing Airline Cutbacks From Ruining Your Trip

Your odds of embarking on a hassle-free flight just dropped -- by a margin of 20 million.

That's the number of seats U.S. carriers plan to cut from their domestic routes by the end of this year, reports OAG Travel Solutions, a research group specializing in passenger aviation. World-wide, capacity is expected to be reduced by 59.7 million seats.

This isn't exactly new news. Carriers warned of route cutbacks and flight cancellations earlier this year as a way to offset skyrocketing fuel prices. But now the cutbacks are upon us. In July, Delta (DAL) announced it would cut domestic capacity by 13% by the end of the year. Both United (UAUA) and US Airways (LCC) say they plan to reduce capacity by 16% and 8%, respectively, while American (AMR) said it would cut 12% after the end of the summer travel season. Even Southwest (LUV), whose fuel-price hedging in 2000 has kept it largely immune from the industry's woes, reported that it would eliminate 195 flights in January.

The end result: More headaches for travelers who fly to smaller airports or along less-competitive routes where airlines are making the bulk of cuts, says Ed Perkins, contributing editor for travel advice site SmarterTravel.com. Also, as competition for remaining seats heats up, folks planning trips will find fewer nonstop flights, as well as higher fares. Those already booked on a flight in coming months may encounter schedule changes, if not cancellations. And because airlines are strategically planning their cuts to keep remaining flights fully packed, rebooking as a result of problems at the airport -- from overbooked flights to weather delays -- will be nightmarish, he predicts.

Here's what you need to do to keep cutbacks from ruining your next trip:

Before Booking

Avoid problem routes. Don't rely on a travel-booking site to warn you that a route or airport is subject to cuts in the coming weeks, advises George Hobica, founder of fare-tracking site AirfareWatchdog.com. Search for flights through major hubs, even if it means a little extra driving time. Before booking, put in a call to the carrier's customer service line to ask about any planned service reductions or changes to the itinerary, and if so, when they take effect.

Build in extra time. If you absolutely must be at Cousin Sally's wedding by 3 p.m., don't pick a flight that arrives at 1 p.m. Less-crowded skies theoretically result in fewer delays, but they also reduce any wiggle room you may have to grab another flight should problems arise, says Hobica. So build in extra buffer time to before and after flights.

Book fares early. Last-minute fares used to be the best way to land a great deal. But now the best deals are available to those who book early, says Perkins. Fewer flights mean fewer of the cheapest seats that typically go to online discounters like Expedia (EXPE), Travelocity and Orbitz (OWW). "They've made it so that you simply have to buy a fare out of a higher-priced bracket," he says. Buy tickets as soon as you're sure of your plans, ideally, at least three months out.

After Booking

Re-confirm flight details. "Don't count on the airline to call you," says Hobica. To find out whether there's any risk of the flight being rescheduled or cancelled, call the airline yourself. (Call three weeks before your scheduled departure. That's the best time to buy last-minute airfares, giving you the best odds of breaking even if you're forced to rebook). Also, sign up for the airline's text message or email alerts to stay up to date.

Haggle. If an airline reschedules you on a flight that doesn't work with your schedule, suggest another more convenient flight. "Come back with a counteroffer," says Perkins. So long as seats are available, the airline should cooperate -- without incurring a pricey ticket-change fee. Already at the airport? Try citing Rule 240. The rule, which was created when the airline industry was still regulated by the government, mandated that in the case of a major flight delay or cancellation, airlines must put passengers on the next available flight. Although Rule 240 is no longer a federal requirement, many large carriers still include the provision in their contracts of carriage. A few even promise upgrades or rebooking onto on another airline's flight. (Visit AirfareWatchdog's web site for a rundown of what the major airlines offer.)

Exercise refund rights. "If your flight times changed to the point where you don't want to fly anymore, you're entitled to a refund, even for a nonrefundable ticket," says Hobica. This airline provision, called Rule 260, requires the carrier to extend a refund for significant schedule changes of its making. However, like Rule 240, this provision is also voluntary. United, for example, permits it for schedule changes of two hours or more. If your flight is cancelled, you're also entitled to a refund. And getting involuntarily bumped from your flight can earn you up to $800 cash, under new Department of Transportation rules.)