MUMBAI, January 29: We have shrunk the world by 40 per cent, the British Airways claimed on January 22 as it cut its ticket rates. That was the advertisement, now read the fine-print - they have also shrunk your options.While the deluge of discounts now being offered by various airlines could be a good news for travellers, there is a catch to them.So, be prepared while travelling on one of these discounted tickets to get your confirmation just a few hours before your departure. Also, thanks to your 40 per cent-off ticket you could be last to board the aircraft as all those who have paid a higher fare would be given the priority.
With almost every airline offering up to 50 per cent discounts, a passenger must confirm all the details about the schemes with a travel agent - lest they find themselves grounded at some cold airport in Europe, say travel agents. ``Forget the passengers, we ourselves are confused,'' says a Mumbai-based travel agent. Discounted fare almost without fail comes with variousconditions.
Besides, the common conditions of a fixed time for which the ticket would remain valid, many airlines are not allowing discounts on children and infant fares. There are restrictions on cancellations also. For instance, if a Delta passenger cancels or changes his date of travel, he has to shell out Rs 8,000 and Rs 4,000 in penalty respectively.While travelling by Singapore Airlines to Manchester, one has to buy ticket with cash as credit cards are not being allowed.
Air France is the only airline which is giving discounts without any strings attached to them.The German airliner, Lufthansa is not allowing any stopovers for the discounted ticket-holders, while Air-India and British Airways have made it clear that discounted tickets cannot be cancelled, re-routed or changed. Those who have booked tickets to United States on Delta can avail of one free stopover, but for their second stopover they will have to pay an extra Rs 3,500.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
