To be bumped from a flight you are scheduled to take can be a frustrating thing, especially on a mission trip. Many passengers voluntarily give up their seat when airlines over book a flight, however, you could be bumped without your consent. So what exactly are the rules? First of all, be prepared and don’t be late. Late arrivals at the gate and people who do not have a confirmed seat assignment are the ones most likely to get ousted from their flight.

When this happens, the airline is usually required to provide compensation and book you on another flight. If the alternate flight is scheduled to arrive between one and two hours after your original arrival time, the airline must pay you an amount equal to your one-way fare, up to $200 maximum; if your new flight arrives more than two hours later, the amount doubles to $400 maximum.

But an airline is not required to offer compensation if:

• You don’t meet the check-in deadline, which is the amount of time that the airline asks you to be at the airport before your scheduled departure time. Some airlines require that you appear at the ticket counter by a specific time, while others want you at the gate. Times and rules vary so know your deadlines.
• The carrier replaces your scheduled aircraft with a smaller plane.
• The airline can accommodate you on an alternate flight that is scheduled to arrive within one hour of your original flight’s arrival time.
• Your scheduled plane is a charter or carries fewer than 60 passengers.

Curing The Jet Lag Blues

There are some common “remedies” for addressing jet lag. Crossing time zones disrupts your body clock and can lead to sleepy days and sleepless nights. Here are a few hints to help you better adjust.

• Get plenty of sleep before your trip and drink water on the plane.
• Exposure to light at the right time may resynchronize your body clock. In general, you should try to stay awake while the sun is out, sleep after it sets.
• Melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle can be helpful if taken at the right time. Ask your doctor if it is right for you.

Not Such A Good Idea

Sleeping pills or tablets like Ambien, Sonata, or No-Jet-Lag, are unproven or sometimes only helpful as a last resort at best. If you are worried about jet lag, consult your doctor for a safe and reliable prescription.

Do not over-do the caffiene. This can make you anxious or wired and cause you to sleep restlessly.

home | calendar | newsletter | sermons | contact us

FBC exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ through joyful worship, caring fellowship, spiritual nurture, faithful service & compassionate outreach in the Richmond area and throughout the world.

This site is maintained by the Media Ministry of First Baptist Church.
Send comments or suggestions to the FBC webmaster.