Even if you see something in the store, sure, go try it on — but then go home and order it online [through the portal]. George Hobica More Quotes by George Hobica More Quotes From George Hobica Airline staff have been given a lot more power and have become policemen in the skies since 9-11, i think many are abusing that authority. Most of your rights and company policies—including when you are entitled to compensation for your inconvenience— are spelled out in the conditions of carriage which can be found on an airline’s website. The lengthy terms are filled with jargon and legalese, though they’re still worth eyeballing to understand the basics. Here are key reasons why an airline can bump you or otherwise make travel difficult for you: 1. The airline priced tickets for this flight too low.If a carrier realizes through its electronic reservation system that a non-stop flight fills too fast, that could indicate the ticket fares are too cheap. In such a case, your flight could be switched from a non-stop to a connecting flight. 2. The air marshal needs your seat. Because air marshals protect the public, they are sometimes seated in first class without prior warning. If one of them shows up and needs your seat, you can be bumped, reassigned to another seat, or put on the next available flight. And you won’t even get an explanation; the government doesn’t want you to blab that there’s an air marshal on board. 3. The carrier abandons the route. Consolidation within the industry has prompted some airlines to cut back on the number of available flights. Some, such as Allegiant Air and Frontier, have also abandoned routes that are no longer profitable. An airline should be required to put you on another carrier for the price you paid, says Hobica. But that’s not the case. George Hobica latest-headlines People use lavs not assigned to them on domestic airlines every time I fly, so I can only imagine something else was going on. Occasionally flight attendants ask nicely to return to the economy cabin but if someone pulls a Kristen Wiig a la Bridesmaids, then all bets are off, as we are constantly reminded, federal law requires us to obey crew instructions International airlines are much more strict about restricting business and first class lav access. George Hobica latest-headlines I don’t think you can schmooze your way to a free upgrade anymore. George Hobica us But, I’ve been upgraded to first class, I think, just because I was nicely dressed. I was wearing a navy blue suit with a red tie and a crisp white shirt and everyone else looked like slobs. George Hobica us Flying is probably the least lucrative way to earn miles, you can earn status that way but not so many miles — unless you fly in business class. George Hobica latest-headlines I have a few restaurants in Los Angeles I really, really like, and they happen to be members of the program, you spend 40 bucks and you get 400 miles. You spend 50 bucks, you get 100 miles. It adds up. George Hobica latest-headlines It’s getting more confusing to understand how far your miles will take you. George Hobica latest-headlines You won’t know how many miles you need to redeem until you actually try to book the ticket. George Hobica latest-headlines I find that using miles is getting more expensive. George Hobica latest-headlines I get better responses quicker than by picking up the phone, it’s partly because you can use smiley faces and not be so angry, which comes out over the phone in your tone of voice. At 140 characters, you have to be more concise and to the point. George Hobica us The summer fares are still very expensive. George Hobica us