If you’re like me, buying an expensive airplane ticket is a big commitment and before I commit, I like to make sure that all other arrangements are set – especially since there will be no turning back (i.e. refund) once I buy the ticket. So the news that travelers will now be able to put a ticket on hold for 24 hours without purchasing is very welcome news. This has become a less-available option in recent years – which really bugs me because I feel pressured to grab what may be a one-day-only half-way-decent fare before I’ve really nailed down my plans. The other good thing is that now, if you do put a tix on hold, if you don’t pay within 24 hours, the hold just goes away. This is much better than the other system I’ve encountered – where you have to give your credit card info and you are automatically charged if you don’t get back to the airlines by 24 hours. (This always seemed like a bit of a trap….)
Other amazing new rules:
- A traveler can now change or cancel a reservation within 24 hours and receive a full refund without penalty. (This applies only to reservations made at least a week in advance of departure.)
- Airfare ads have to clearly indicate the full price of a tix (including various taxes and fees) and baggage handling fees!
- Airlines must “promptly” notify travelers of a pending flight delay of over 30 minutes, plus cancellations and diversions
