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Southwest Air: Forget To Set Alarm...Forget Refund


We fear that Southwest, once our favorite laid-back economy airline, is slip-sliding into the nickel-diming mode of other airlines. The most recent example is that SW will no longer refund the fare of passengers who fail to be there for scheduled flights.

In the past, if you showed up late, there were ways to get around it. The SW airport staff would do their best let you board a later flight, or even get you on a rival airline flight. And it cost you nothing beyond the fare you paid for your original ticket.  

Under the new SW policy, if you miss your flight without adequate reason or prior contact, you may have to forfeit your fare. Flyers should be aware of the logical reason for the new SW rule. In these days of tightening budgets and high fuel prices, flights with empty seats represent lost income for airlines.

For more information, contact your favorite hometown or online travel agency, or go to www.southwest.com

Q&A: No-Limit Booze Cruise: How To Avoid One? PDF Print E-mail


Q: We’ve been cruising for years, but are concerned with the new all-you-can-drink promotions some cruise lines now offer. We like our drinks, too, but don’t want to be on a ship with a bunch of uncontrolled drunks running around on a permanent Spring Break.

What’s your take on the deal?  M.B., Toronto, Canada

A: Royal Caribbean has just announced its Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas ships will offer passengers the opportunity to buy unlimited drinks. Other cruise lines have similar systems already in place. The cost ranges from $40 a day and up.

We haven’t yet heard any binge drinking horror stories happening under these plans. However, there are cruises notorious for loud, hard-drinking passengers. They traditionally include alumni reunions, college spring breaks and all-male corporate conferences.

Our advice is that before you book your next cruise, check with your online or hometown travel agency. Give specific instructions to be sure you don’t unknowingly find yourself aboard a ship of (drinking) fools.

 
 
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