Is it possible my Southwest flight will be canceled?

 

Sometimes passengers become concerned that their flight might be canceled. Unfortunately, this usually leads to a lot of misconceptions about airline flight cancellations in general.

 

“I think they canceled my flight because it was not full”

 

 

 

 

 

 

While this may happen on an occasion, it is the exception to everyday airline operation. Airlines must carefully consider the operational and economic side effects of any flight cancellations.

Having your passengers inconvenienced is not a good way to do business. Those that operate airlines for a living on a daily basis know and understand this.

 

“I think they canceled my flight because Southwest wants to really hurt me”

 

 

 

 

 

 

If a flight is canceled not only must passengers be accommodated at the departure airport but at the arrival airport as well. The airplane that is used for your flight is normally needed at your destination to take other passengers to their destinations.

The airline must now also accommodate or re-position crews that will also be where they are not suppose to be. For an airline to operate efficiently it must do so with the precision of a Rolex. Everyday this is done by thousands of dedicated airline employees and airport support personnel.

With situations beyond it's control like weather and air traffic control restrictions most airlines do a respectable job getting their passengers from Point A to B.

 

“I think they canceled my flight because the pilots are too scared to fly through tornadoes and thunderstorms”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“What a bunch of chickens!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most cancellations occur around weather situations when flying becomes unsafe or impractical to do in a timely manner. I am afraid the new Passenger Bill Of Rights legislation will only further complicate this matter.

For more information on the effect of this legislation:

http://dmbflyingcoach.blogspot.com/2010/07/airlines-passengers-bill-of-rights.html

 

Weather delays can also cause flight crews to exceed their Federally (FAA) Mandated work and rest limitations. Sometime airlines can compensate for this by providing your flight with a new flight crew.

 

“I think they canceled my flight because they don't want to fix their piece of junk airplane”

 

 

 

 

Today's airplanes are modern marvels and like your Mercedes occasionally they require maintenance at the wrong time. Airlines have aircraft mechanics available for such situations but quick fixes are not always an option.

 

At times it may be necessary to use a completely different aircraft for your flight.

 

 

 

 

 

Based on Bureau Of Transportation Statistics (www.bts.gov) American had 3 flight cancellations at Dallas (DFW) on 04/04/2010. With a conservative 200 departures a day from DFW this represents less than 2 percent of American Airline flights from Dallas. The same comparison can be made for Delta from Detroit or Southwest from Phoenix and most other airlines.

 

So relax, you will be fine. I hope you have a pleasant airline experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: American Airlines,Delta,Southwest Airlines,Mercedes,FAA,Bureau Of Transportation Statistics,Rolex

Preparing Your Flight For A Pleasant Airline Experience

 

                                                                                                                                      From the flight deck we have reached our cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.

Look at all those buttons!

 

 

 

 

Is that Diamond Head?

 

 

 

 

 

 

While you were still dancing the night away at your graduation party, quite a few airline employees were in the process of ensuring that you will have a pleasant airline experience.

Although this process involves numerous employees and takes place at various airline departments around the country it is usually done with precision of a fine orchestra.

 

 

 

 

 

The Moscow Symphony Orchestra has nothing on a well run airline operation.

 

 

 

 

 

To minimize mechanical delays, before your airplane takes flight, it is given a thorough interior and exterior inspection. At least once every 7 days it must be checked by a highly qualified and government (FAA) certified aircraft mechanic. If it will be flown international on certain routes then a daily check by an aircraft mechanic is required.

“Jim, I think the number 2 needs some oil”.

Just like taking your car to Pennzoil, the oil is changed and has to be checked regularly in an airplane engine.

Full, some airplane engines require up to 20 quarts of oil.

 

 

 

 

Boy, did the passengers from the last flight leave a mess on board. Newspaper, candy wraps,food containers and even diapers are just some of the things passengers leave behind.

This must be cleaned up as I am sure you don’t want to fly in a messy airplane.

 

 

“Your trash, your wife’s trash, newspapers, magazines, (he's trash, just kidding)”.

Take advantage of your flight attendant collecting in-flight trash to dispose of items you will not be taking with you.

 

 

 

 

 

Somewhere in a probably windowless building an airline meteorological department member has began checking out the weather conditions for your flight.

 

 

 

 

Is it still snowing in Winnipeg, when is it suppose to stop?

What about those thunderstorms building in the Midwest?

 

 

 

 

   

Stephanie, do you think that fog is going to be lifted in San Francisco by noon?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are just some of the questions that need to be answered in order to generate a proper flight plan for your flight. Some items included in the flight plan are the route of your flight, the distance and time it will take to complete and how much fuel will be required. These factors are based on the information just received from the meteorological department.

Archie, are you still with me? Yeah, yeah go ahead, Meat-head!

 

Did you know that there is a legal (FAA) minimum fuel requirement for every flight?

At a weight of about 7 pounds per gallon, JET-A fuel can contribute a significant amount of weight to an airplane.

Since a heavier airplane uses more fuel than a lighter one, airlines must optimize the amount of fuel carried.

Therefore, airlines will normally fly with the minimum amount of fuel to safely complete your flight.

Interestingly, most flights do not fly full of fuel.

 

Unfortunately, at times passengers and cargo are left behind if weather conditions warrant carrying more fuel than normal for a particular flight. This usually happens in the winter or on international flights with longer than usual flight times combined with bad weather forecasted for your arrival destination.

Kim, looks like the fuel on board should be 24.6. That's 24,600 pounds! Airline fuel is referenced in terms of pounds (weight). At 7 pounds per gallon, 24,600 pounds is approximately 3500 gallons. Just a little less than is required to fill up your Hummer!

 

To Las Vegas, your flight will use approximately 12,000 lbs (1700 Gals) of fuel to Las Vegas.

Today, there are strong gusty crosswinds at LAS that effect your flight ability to land there.

The extra fuel is in case your flight has to divert to Phoenix. 

 

 

“This afternoon our route will take us North of Chicago, South of Denver, West of Dallas then East of Phoenix where we'll begin our arrival into Las Vegas.”

Sometimes, I think they use an Etch A Sketch when flight planning the routes to be flown.

 

 

 

For weather conditions, air traffic control reasons or shortest en-route time flights are generally never flown in a straight line from Point A to B.

Although all airlines prefer the shortest en-route time, some will sacrifice this in order to give you a more comfortable ride around areas of known or forecast turbulence.

 

Next your flight must be catered with your meals (usually only for First Class) along with beverages and snacks.

 

 

 

 

On today's flight you will have the choice to purchase a limited amount of On-board Meals that are comparable in price to what you would pay inside the airport.

In most cases cash is not accepted so have your Visa, MasterCard, Discover or your Geico American Express Card ready.

 

15 minutes can also save you money on airline tickets with proper research and planning. So simple, even I could do it with a little help from.

http://dmbflyingcoach.blogspot.com/2010/07/steps-to-having-pleasant-airline-flight_02.html

All of the airport preparations may happen within the last hour before your flight. However, hours before your departure, the earlier talked about flight plan is produced by your flight dispatcher somewhere in Dallas (for American) or Phoenix (for Southwest Airlines).

This flight plan is then filed into the air traffic control system so space is reserved and coordinated for your flight.

 

Remember the pilot you introduced yourself to earlier at the boarding gate?

Well, the tons and tons of paper work that you saw him trolling over, was your flight plan.

It was sent from Atlanta to, OMG .. a dot matrix printer at your departure gate.

It contains all the information he will need to successfully and safely conduct your flight.

 

I hope he did not pick a bad week to quit sniffing glue!

 

“I think that's Lake Mead, we must be getting close to landing.”

How you doing Archie? I hope I did not talk your ears off.

Yeah, yeah. Oh, by the way you ain't so bad a seat neighbor after all. What did say your name was?

I don't have a name, my user name is taken!

 

 

 

Next time, who's flying the airplane and how do they do it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Diamond Head,Moscow Symphony Ochestra,Pennzoil,Jet-A Fuel,Winnipeg,Midwest,San Franciso,Archie,Meat-head,FAA,Las Vegas,Hummer,Chicago,Denver,First Class,Dallas,Phoenix,Etch A Sketch,McCarran,Visa,MasterCard,Discover,Geico,American Express,American,Southwest Airlines,Lake Mead,Dot Matrix Printer

Welcome Aboard, A Pleasant Airline Experience

 

Good morning from the flight deck, on behalf of Captain Kangaroo I would like to welcome you aboard Pleasant Air Flight 123.

 

 

 

You have made it on board and must now navigate a sometimes narrow aisle to your assigned seat unless you are flying Southwest Airlines. With short ground times as a part of it's business model, Southwest Airlines does not assign seats.

 

This is done in hopes of speeding up the boarding process. As the following SWA Flight Attendant announcement demonstrates, it does not always work.

“People,people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!”

 

 

 

Is there still room for your carry on luggage? Usually there is but it may take creative arranging of other bags in the overhead bins to do so. Your flight attendant can be a big asset here but don't expect them to lift your 300lb carry on bag. If they do so, it is as a courtesy and not a part of their job requirement.

 

 

 

 

Although the area around your feet must be clear in order to not block access to the aisle in case of an emergency. I am sometimes baffled why some airlines with already cramped seats emphasize this as a reasonable storage place. Even the so called “smaller items” can cramp your style in an already cramped space. Limiting carry on luggage and their size, like Spirit Airlines will attempt to do beginning in August can go a long way to make us all a little more comfortable.

 

With your luggage stored, even as a frequent flyer you should pay attention to the safety briefing and review the safety briefing card in your seat back pocket.

Like you, I have been in a few automobiles since the 1960’s. Still, I do share your pain that the government (FAA) thinks we have to be constantly reminded on how to operate a seat belt.

 

 

The important items of the safety briefing is knowing your location in reference to the nearest emergency exits and the operation of a life vest which most us do not wear everyday. A life vest demonstration is only required if your flight will fly extended distances over water.

Airline emergencies especially among US Airlines is extremely rare. Still, knowing how to exit the airplane quickly and safely becomes paramount should the need arise. Counting the rows forward or back to the nearest exit is something I recommend. In a dark or smoke filled cabin even with emergency lighting this can ease confusion getting to an exit.

 

Have you met your new neighbor Archie Bunker?

I hope you will break the ice sometime in the next 4 hours and 20 minutes and meet your next seat neighbor. Even if you have that project to work on or need to catch up on your sleep here's an opportunity to meet someone possibly as interesting as you.

 

 

Most everyone, even Archie has a story to tell which can be entertaining unless of course it causes your ears to fall off then it's probably down right hilarious!

Sometime during the hundreds and hundreds of boarding announcements you should be informed of your flight time, destination weather or any known delays.

 

There is no magic to dealing with the effects of mother nature. If it is snowing or thunderstorms are in the area expect departure delays.

In the winter and on flights to destinations which have chronic delays like New York or Chicago or Atlanta, airlines attempt to compensate for these known situations by allowing more time in their schedules.

 

This is known in the airline industry as “block time”. A flight is scheduled to leave Atlanta (ATL) at 7:40 am and arrive in New York (LGA) at 9:59 am. A scheduled time of 2 hours and 19 minutes which takes into account historical ground time delay data leaving ATL and historical air traffic control en-route/arrival delay data into LGA.

 

Your airline hopes variables in your actual ground time and flight time will help it meet it's published scheduled time. If it does no one pays attention.

If it does not then …

“It's the worse airline I have ever flown”.

“I am never flying this f'ng airline again”.

 

“Of course unless it offers me a cheaper ticket than the other airline I was going to fly.”

 

Today, the weather is nice and there are no take off delays. The airplane gently vibrates as it's powerful engines come to life. With over 50,000 pounds of thrust at about 180 miles per hour it breaks free from gravity.

 

 

 

 

 

Suspended 35,000 feet above the earth you are on your way enjoying a pleasant airline experience.

Archie, I promise not to talk your ears off for next 4 hours and 20 minutes. However, you may find it interesting what I have to say next about air travel.

Low Cost Airlines Can Be A Pleasant Airline Experience

 

Born in the post airline deregulation era, most low cost carriers have taken a different approach to meeting passengers air travel demands.

As long as you are aware of what to expect you can still have a pleasant airline experience.

 

Prior to airline deregulation (1978), government control over air fares allowed legacy carriers like Delta and American to sell higher priced tickets. In return, the airlines were almost guaranteed to cover there operating costs while providing their customers a comfortable level of service.

 

 

 

Hot meals, pillows, blankets and in-flight movies were the norm of the day.

Entry of new airlines soon begin to reshape the industry as low airfares became the driving force behind acquiring customers. With government help and the infrastructure already in place because of many of the legacy carriers, a run away train had left the station.

 

 

 

Spirit Airlines, Air Tran, Jet Blue, Southwest and a few others are all aboard that train. Some have handled the customer service aspect of the business well while others have not.

 

 

 

 

Although it is surprising to me that passengers seem confused and frustrated by lack of customer service while at the same time demanding lower airfares.

 

 

 

 

Map-quest tells me from Ft. Lauderdale Airport (FLL) to Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL) is 645 miles. For $120 in fuel cost I can make the round trip in 20 hours with non stop driving.

On Spirit I can make the same round trip in 4 hours for $198. An initial $78 difference not counting additional driving cost like tolls or other incidentals.

With only a 2 hour flight I can easily endure any creature discomfort compared to 10 hours non stop in a car.

 

This is one benefit of Spirit Airlines, low fares in markets where they can operate without certain customer service amenities being a priority.

 

 

 

For a customer with business in Atlanta for the day or Miami Dolphins fans going to the Georgia Dome to cheer on “The Fins”, this can be an ideal situation. Sure the seats are cramped and there are no hot meals, pillows, blankets or in-flight movies.

 

In addition, beginning sometime in August, Spirit Airlines will start charging up to $45 for carry on luggage. When first announced this caused an uproar. I do not think it is necessarily a bad policy as you will still be allowed to have one carry on that must fit under your seat.

 

 

Your awareness of these situations and limitations before you purchase your tickets will allow you to have a pleasant airline experience on Spirit or any other low cost carrier.

 

Technorati Tags: Spirit,Atlanta,Miami Dolphins,Georgia Dome,Airline Deregulation,Southwest,Jet Blue,Luggage,Delta,American

Who's Going Have A Pleasant Airline Experience

 

 

 

I am ATC Trebek.

Welcome, To Air Travel Jeopardy where contestants help us discover The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of airline travel.

 

 

 

 

 

Contestant Number One, tell us a little about yourself.

 

Well ATC, I am from Detroit and I use to have a name but then it was taken when I took almost 17 hours to fly round trip from Detroit to Las Vegas on Air Tran.

However, I did save $35!

 

 

 

Contestant Number Two

 

ATC, I am just happy I had a great pair of running shoes.

 

 

 

 

 

Contestant Number Three

 

ATC, “A” I just returned from 8 hours in Vancouver and I can't stop saying “A” but “A” I am excited to be outside the zone, “A”.

 

 

 

 

 

Contestant Number Four,

 

Hi ATC, I drove here in my Audi but next time I think I will use my frequent flyer miles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks contestants, now let me introduce our panel of judges.

Having been quoted in numerous articles, an expert and an avid blog reader please help me welcome “I am just as opinionated as anyone else”.

ATC,

I just don't understand blogs and why people think I want to read their opinions unless I ask for them on a board like this or if they are a true expert in some area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joining her, please a round of applause for the ever popular not only in airports but around the country, rkk Starbucks.

ATC,

 

I would get a Starbucks latte at the airport if that'd make me happy.

 

 

 

 

Thank you judges. Now let’s start Round One by hearing from our lovely contestants.

 

Contestant Number One

I read the blog yesterday and the take-home message seemed to be - pay more and get a better experience. I only fly when I can get a combo of a cheap price + good routing and usually manage to have a fine experience - but I think attitude has a bit to do with it.

 

 

 

Contestant Number Two

I withdraw my earlier comment...
This blog post goes into the "useless" category. Anyone who claims to be a "savvy" flyer and actually would get on a Spirit Airline flight is crazy.

1. An hour in Atlanta is plenty of time to connect for a domestic trip.

 

Contestant Number Three

 

Incidentally, I saved about $150 by taking an 8 hour layover in Vancouver the other day. Intentionally, as it gave me the opportunity to bop into downtown (hadn't been there in years). I trust that doesn't violate your sensibilities.

 

 

Contestant Number Four

I'm with you all the way. My travel adventure always starts with the flight, not when I arrive at my destination - for me it's not just about the destination but about the getting there too. I maximize the miles I earn on my international flying partners so I can always purchase a slightly-more-expensive ticket in coach for transatlantic/transpacific flights and then upgrade for a more comfortable trip. The extra money is worth it to me. But then, traveling well and often is my priority - that's why I don't go to Starbucks, don't eat out except for special occasions, drive a 15-year-old Audi and wear my things until they start falling apart.

 

Thank you contestants, now let's play Air Travel Jeopardy!

Contestant Number One

In 2010, one airline offered a cheaper ticket on a non stop flight from Detroit to Las Vegas compared to a connecting flight on Air Tran. For 1500 points, which airline was it?

Contestant Number Two

In 2009, this airport ranked 29^th out of 31 for on time performance. For 2000 points and the lead, which airport was it?

Contestant Number Three

Vancouver, is located in the country of my birth, “A”. For 3000 points, “A”, which country is it, “A”?

Contestant Number Four

For 10,000 points and the win. This tool is often used to hit “The Nail On The Head”, what is it?

Contestant Number Four, you have just won this episode of Air Travel Jeopardy! You have clearly demonstrated a knowledge beyond reproach on how to navigate the dangers of air travel.

 

You are on your way to having a pleasant airline experience with an all expense paid trip to your favorite destination courtesy of “I Hope Others Would Get The Point” Travel Agency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Jeopardy,Air Travel,Detroit,Las Vegas,Vancouver,Audi,Spirit,Air Tran,Atlanta,Starbucks