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Six secrets airlines do not share with passengers

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The airline is 'not contractually obliged' to take you anywhere at all

 

Not many people focus on the small print of a flight ticket when their plane is hurtling down the runway towards take-off.

 

Instead fliers generally trust an airline to stay true to the words printed on the ticket they have booked, paid for and been issued with.

 

In fact, there is no such legal contractual agreement - a consumer blindspot which works significantly in the airlines' favour, according to a travel writer.

 

"You have virtually no rights," said Joe Brancatelli, founder of a business travel site. "If the airlines can screw you, they will."

 

Here are six facts which most airlines would not wish to comfort passengers with while waiting for their plane.

 

1. You signed a contract with the airline, whether you know it or not

 

When you buy a ticket, youre technically agreeing to the airlines contract of carriage, said Mr Brancatelli, explaining this is written by the airline to their advantage and is called the contract of carriage, or COC.

 

The airlines pretty much write the contracts that you agree to.

 

"And we passengers treat them just like we treat mobile phone contracts: We dont read them. And thats where most of the bizarre stuff is buried.

 

2. The airlines do not really have to take you anywhere

 

The arrival times and destinations printed on a passenger's ticket are not binding.

 

Major airlines all have language in their COCs which says something similar to: Times shown in timetables or elsewhere are not guaranteed and form no part of this contract. Schedules are subject to change without notice.

 

The airline may also "alter or omit the stopping places shown on the ticket in case of necessity."

 

Airlines include such language to protect themselves from passengers who might sue over a weather-related cancellation or a flight diverted due to an emergency, but leaves the passenger with "virtually no protection", according to Mr Brancatelli.

 

3. Flights with multiple stops automatically charge the highest possible fare

 

The class in class mapping does not refer to different levels of airline service - first class, business class and economy - but to different fare categories airlines charge for any given flight.

 

Passengers who book a flight with multiple stops are automatically bumped into the highest fare class for each segment of that flight.

 

Customer willing to go the extra mile can compare the overall fare an airline quotes against the individual fares of booking separate flights for different legs.

 

4. There are no regulations about how cramped you should be

 

Regulations mandate a minimum amount of space that livestock are allowed on trains and trucks when being transported - but there is no equivalent for humans on planes.

 

One consumer group, FlyersRights.org, is lobbying for federal seat standards on planes.

 

5. Tickets are no longer exchangeable

 

Mr Brancatelli said airlines used to get passengers on any other flight available.

 

When there was a cancellation, Delta would say, Sorry, we had to cancel our flight. But I see in the computer that another airline is flying in an hour, so were gonna get you on that flight," he said.

 

"Now, their answer is, Sorry, pal. Tickets are no longer exchangeable among airlines."

 

6. There is no guarantee your "regulation" carry-on bag will be allowed onboard

 

None of their published rules about carry-on bags can be enforced by the customer.

 

Most airlines include the size limits for carry-on bags in their COCs, but there is often a clause that the airline will make the final call as to which bags get on board.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/lifestyle/six-secrets-airlines-do-not-share-with-passengers-a6770751.html

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There are plenty of free goodies you can snag on a flight, if you know to ask for them.


A Reddit thread asked flight attendants about secret perks passengers should be taking advantage of on flights. We consulted that thread and did some of our own research to create the following list.


From free alcoholic drinks to ibuprofen, here are ten things you should ask for on your next flight.


1. The entire can of soda


Flight attendants generally dole out half of a can, which, combined with the quantity of ice they dispense, simply isn't enough to quench our thirst.


Next time, order a whole can. Flight attendants are often happy to oblige, or, if they've run out of cans, they'll be happy to return to refill your cup.


2. Hot chocolate


As an alternative to coffee or tea, most airlines also offer hot chocolate.


Etihad Airways and Southwest Airlines are just some of the airlines that offer hot chocolate in Economy. Qantas even has hot chocolate made with Cadbury chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth.


3. Temporary babysitting


For parents traveling with children, it’s great to have a helping hand when you need to step away for a few minutes. Many flight attendants will be happy to briefly assist you with your kids.


Etihad Airways offers “Flying Nannies”, who can organize everything from arts and crafts to hand puppet games and magic tricks for kids, while Gulf Air has its “Sky Nanny”, who can assist you with boarding and disembarkation.



4. Sanitizing Wipes


Airplanes are dirty and carry a lot of germs, which is why you want to wipe down surfaces like the tray table in order to avoid getting a cold.


If you forget to pack your own sanitizing wipes, ask a flight attendant since they usually have them on hand.


5. Grooming Kits


On longer flights, some airlines tend to stock items like earplugs, pens, combs, and playing cards that they're happy to give away.


Virgin Atlantic gives away free amenity kits on economy, while Etihad's complimentary amenity kits on longer flights include socks, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and earplugs.


6. Extra snacks


The complimentary snacks offered on flights are tiny and often leave you hungry.


Simply ask for seconds — if there are leftovers after all customers have been served, flight attendants will happily give you an extra snack.


7. Alcohol


Since airlines are basically charging passengers for everything these days, most assume this applies to alcoholic beverages as well. However, many airlines do still offer free booze.


Lufthansa offers a selection of free champagne, wine, and beer on its flights, while Finnair has complimentary beer and wine. Etihad also offers passengers a complimentary bar service, with a range of beers, wines, and spirits to choose from.


8. Basic medications and bandages


While it depends on the airline's regulations, most flights are equipped with basic medications like painkillers and antacids, as well as Band-Aids. These are free if you ask.


9. Wing pins for kids


While wing pins, which are small plastic wings with an airline’s logo, seemed like they had become an amenity of the past, some airlines like Delta still offer them on flights.


Forbes recently reported that American Airlines brought kids’ wings back, starting with flights from Charlotte to Orlando where kids often travel to destinations like Disney World and SeaWorld.


10. Bottles of water


Whether you're in need of more water or want to avoid drinking water on an airplane unless it is bottled, airlines will usually have small bottles of water on hand that they can supply to passengers who ask for them.






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How many of the above can be done on Malaysia Airlines?

MH service this days is very basic,akin to nursery level compared to other 5 * airlines,where service begins with hot towels,and cocktail on cart service.Then later ice cream or something.

On my flight last week to Auckland,the loads were extremely light,but the crew found it hard to just sort out 12 special meals that were catered. All passengers

were just sitting quietly and did not ask for any thing extra.Yet I overheard the comment by the crew from one aisle to the other during service "Dah nah muntah darah".

 

On the plus side,the meals catered out of KL very quite good for a change (Change of menu?). But the same old desert keeps making it rounds.

Edited by jadivindra

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On a witty side:

 

This is how MH current response would be:

  1. The entire can of soda- What whole can?!! You should be happy still serve you complimentary drinks, let alone whole can.
  2. Hot chocolate- Nada. No. Mei You. Zero. Nil. Empty. Service Not Available.
  3. Temporary babysitting. Erm, hello it is hard enough to be cabin crew, need to be nanny some more, in your dream!
  4. Sanitizing Wipes. Refer to #2
  5. Grooming Kits. No money…..only applicable for flight 8 hours and above.
  6. Extra snacks. Peanuts anyone??
  7. Alcohol. For regional flight only……and whatever left with long haul flight.
  8. Basic medications and bandages. This we have…..how many plaster you need??
  9. Wing pins for kids….Refer to #2 again
  10. Bottles of water….Cost cutting nada…no! zit!

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On a witty side:

 

This is how MH current response would be:

  • The entire can of soda- What whole can?!! You should be happy still serve you complimentary drinks, let alone whole can.
  • Hot chocolate- Nada. No. Mei You. Zero. Nil. Empty. Service Not Available.
  • Temporary babysitting. Erm, hello it is hard enough to be cabin crew, need to be nanny some more, in your dream!
  • Sanitizing Wipes. Refer to #2
  • Grooming Kits. No money..only applicable for flight 8 hours and above.
  • Extra snacks. Peanuts anyone??
  • Alcohol. For regional flight onlyand whatever left with long haul flight.
  • Basic medications and bandages. This we have..how many plaster you need??
  • Wing pins for kids.Refer to #2 again
  • Bottles of water.Cost cutting nadano! zit!
Regarding water bottle...in Domestic Economy they no longer have those 1.5l bottled mineral water anymore...they serve water out of the jug...I suspect they fill it with the hot water system on the plane...I've always wondered if it's hygienic...hehehe... Edited by Kenneth Chong WT

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Regarding water bottle...in Domestic Economy they no longer have those 1.5l bottled mineral water anymore...they serve water out of the jug...I suspect they fill it with the hot water system on the plane...I've always wondered if it's hygienic...hehehe...

 

Thats true and it actually tastes horrid.

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On a witty side:

 

This is how MH current response would be:

  1. The entire can of soda- What whole can?!! You should be happy still serve you complimentary drinks, let alone whole can.
  2. Hot chocolate- Nada. No. Mei You. Zero. Nil. Empty. Service Not Available.
  3. Temporary babysitting. Erm, hello it is hard enough to be cabin crew, need to be nanny some more, in your dream!
  4. Sanitizing Wipes. Refer to #2
  5. Grooming Kits. No money…..only applicable for flight 8 hours and above.
  6. Extra snacks. Peanuts anyone??
  7. Alcohol. For regional flight only……and whatever left with long haul flight.
  8. Basic medications and bandages. This we have…..how many plaster you need??
  9. Wing pins for kids….Refer to #2 again
  10. Bottles of water….Cost cutting nada…no! zit!

 

2. 'temporarily' suspended due to turbulence

6. shrunken from 30g to 25g to 20g. Glad you are still getting a wholenut!

11. Smiles - free and we can give you banyak2 (but depending on mood too la)

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Was traveling on OD last month and both sector in morning.

 

They serve one muffin, one sausage bun, one mineral water packed in a cup serving, coffee, OJ, Pepsi and 7up.

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On a witty side:

 

This is how MH current response would be:

  1. The entire can of soda- What whole can?!! You should be happy still serve you complimentary drinks, let alone whole can. - i got whole can of tiger beer before on MH
  2. Hot chocolate- Nada. No. Mei You. Zero. Nil. Empty. Service Not Available. - YEs, the do serve milo, just when u didnt mintak the dun serve
  3. Temporary babysitting. Erm, hello it is hard enough to be cabin crew, need to be nanny some more, in your dream!
  4. Sanitizing Wipes. Refer to #2
  5. Grooming Kits. No money…..only applicable for flight 8 hours and above.
  6. Extra snacks. Peanuts anyone?? the do carry the biscuits and sweets.. again, u tak mintak saya tak kasi
  7. Alcohol. For regional flight only……and whatever left with long haul flight. domestic ada beer, u tak mintak saya tak kasi
  8. Basic medications and bandages. This we have…..how many plaster you need??
  9. Wing pins for kids….Refer to #2 again
  10. Bottles of water….Cost cutting nada…no! zit!

 

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Where is the most comfortable seat? If you’re lucky, you may get an economy seat that allows for a slight recline feature of a few inches or legroom in bulkhead seat or emergency exit row. It’s a different story in first and business classes where some airlines have ventured beyond the traditional wider and softer seat options: Lie-flat seats allow passengers to recline the seat down to 180-degrees for comfortable sleeping, while some reclining seats in upgraded classes, known as angle seats, cause discomfort: "For Business and First class, the key feature is lie-flat seats, not ones that are on an angle," Chris Lopinto, president and co-founder of travel information site ExpertFlyer.com. He says frequent flyers call those uncomfy angled ones 'wedgie seats' — for exactly the reason you think.


Andrew Shelton, Managing Director of global flight search and travel deals website Cheapflights warns passengers to take cautions of the other extreme, “The seats in front of an exit row and at the very back of the plane do not recline. Often those behind the exit have weird window configurations. Sitting by the galley can be loud as the crew prepares food and beverage and will often meet there during quiet periods on the flight.”


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