Travel Like a Pro

In April 2017, United Airlines sparked an outrage in the US by forcibly removing a passenger from an overbooked flight in Chicago.

If you think that something like this can never happen in India, Read on!

Airlines in India deny boarding to passengers if they have overbooked flights which is a common thing during peak travel seasons. Most travellers have no idea that they can be denied boarding even with a confirmed ticket. This is a very common thing and there are rules about it which are regularly updated.

Mishaps at the airport can strike at any time, and sometimes the best you can do is to expect the unexpected.

We at AirWhizz want to keep you well informed if you ever get stuck in such a situation.

Why Do Airlines Overbook?

Before we get into what you should do if you are bumped off a flight involuntarily, you need to know why you can be denied boarding a flight.

Airlines tend to overbook flights because they don’t want empty seats due to no-show (When people with confirmed tickets don’t show up on time) and the flight takes off with empty seats.

Can the Airlines do this?

YES, THEY CAN!

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, if more passengers are expected to report for a flight than the number of seats available on a particular day due to overbooking, airlines can deny boarding even if someone holds a confirmed booking and reports well within the specified time.

The DGCA also says that before denying a passenger on board for an overbooked flight, the airline must first ask for volunteers to give up their seats.

Seems Unfair Right?

Well! There are provisions for such situations.

The airline has to offer benefits if a passenger willingly lets his/her seat go. If you are bumped off against your wish, the airline is liable to pay monetary compensation according to the provisions decided by the DGCA.

What kind of Compensation are you entitled to?

Usually, airlines compensate the passenger with a ticket on an alternative flight scheduled to depart within one hour of the originally scheduled departure. If the airline fails to do so, They have to compensate you in the following way –

In case The Airline Arranges Alternate Flight scheduled to depart within 24 hours

• An amount equal to 200% of booked one-way basic fare
• Airline fuel charge
• Subject to maximum of INR 10,000

In case The Airline Arranges Alternate Flight scheduled to depart after 24 hours

• An amount equal to 400% of booked one-way basic fare
• Airline fuel charge
• Subject to maximum of INR 20,000,

In case passenger does not opt for alternate flight

• Refund of full value of ticket
• Compensation equal to 400% of booked one-way basic fare
• Airline fuel charge
• Subject to maximum of INR 20,000

How to avoid being Denied Boarding?

Follow these simple travel tips if you want to avoid being in this situation –

• Check-in Online.
• Learn about the refund policies of your airline.
• Find out the ‘Grievance Redressal’ process for such situations.
• Use AirSewa, an initiative launched by the government, to report any grievances related to flying in India.
• Reach the airport well before time especially during peak hours or peak-season flights.

So the next time you plan to fly and want to avoid such a situation, Look no further! Download The AirWhizz app and reach well on time by getting real-time flight updates on your phone. You can also read all about airline policies and information within the app.

Have a safe trip and fly stress-free!

When people are introduced to the concept of frequent flyer miles and points usually two things happen.

First, there is this excitement about using them to fly to that dream destination.

Then comes the next part. The overwhelmed feeling which is caused by sheer depth of information available online about loyalty programs which can be totally confusing.

Whether you travel frequently or just a few times a year, we at AirWhizz have put together 10 tips and tricks to help you navigate the world of miles and points confidently.

1.Set Travel Goals

Before you start thinking about which airline to fly with, where to store the flight miles, or which credit cards to choose to earn miles and points, take a step back.

PLan your trip first, figure out where you want to go and see how you can to get there. Set your travel goals first.

2.Join Frequent Flyer Programs

Think long-term. Even if you dont travel that often sign up with a frequent flyer program. Just one or two trips a year can do the job and help you earn flyer miles and points.

Join rewards programs for services you usually use on your vacation, such as a hotel chain, airline, restaurant chain and rental car company.

3.Stack Up Miles

Spreading your flyer miles across too many airline accounts will do you no good. Instead, pick frequent flyer accounts that suit you needs and maximize their earning potential.

If you want to stack up your flyers miles, then use your credit card wherever you can. Put away the cash and debit card. Use mileage-accruing credit cards for everything from bills to everyday items like shampoo.

4.Use Airline Alliances

While choosing an airline, check if they are a part of an airline alliance or have partnerships with other carriers.

Frequent flyer miles can be redeemed on the airline you choose to travel with, as well as on any of their airline alliance members or partners. This can help you to stack up all your miles to one account and use it when you fly with a partnered airline later on.

5.Pool Family Miles

Airline companies such as British Airways frequent-flyer programs let families pool their miles for free. You can earn points when you book air tickets and hotels for your parents or children.

You can stack up the miles in your account even if your family flies on other partnership airlines as mentioned in the point above.

6. Rethink Roundtrip Tickets.

Beat the airlines at their own game!

Look for creative combinations to book one-way tickets to your destination. You don’t need to book round trip tickets to earn flyer miles on most airlines  If you have points in different frequent flyer accounts, you can book your outbound flight with one program and the return with another program.

7.Know The Rules

Read the Emails you get from your loyalty program account!

The might offer you rewards like double or triple points if you use their services at a specific travel destination or during a specific period.

Also, many frequent flyer miles have an expiry date. Make sure you use them before they disappear.

8.Use Credit Card Bonuses

A sign-up bonus of 50,000 points or miles is not uncommon and will help you earn flyer miles faster.

Just remember, with most sign-up bonuses you have to spend a certain amount of miles within a certain time period.

9.Use Crossover Benefits

With so much information available these days, hotel can now know which airlines you are flying with or visa versa. It’s worth it if you know about crossover benefits that airlines have set-up with other hotels. You can make sure that you are getting all of the perks you’re entitled to.

10.Use Them Wisely

You’ve earned those rewards so use them optimally.

We know you have destinations you have been dreaming about travelling to. Use those saved up miles to travel to that destination on a first class or a business class seat. Use these miles for long, expensive flights and fly stress-free.

Flying can take its toll on even the most seasoned traveller.

Long flights can drain your energy, affect your sleep patterns, and make you feel sluggish.

A few simple hacks can make air travel less stressful on your system, curb that jet lag and keep your energy levels up.

1.Be Prepared

Plan A Peaceful Journey!

In case of a delay or transit , a little  research about the amenities at the airport can really help. Services such as Shower Facilities, Sleeping Lounges and Free Wifi are available to any passenger. Use them!

2.Go Offline

Flight Mode On!

Bring your notes from work,  brainstorm creative ideas over paper journals or just get a crossword puzzle along. Use your travel time for doing productive activities which do not invovlve a device. This will help keep your mind working and you will feel active throughout your journey.

3.Eat Healthy

Swap Bland Airplane Food with Healthy Munchies!

Protein-rich snacks will keep you full for longer so make sure you pack them. The disadvantage with In-flight snacks and meals is that they are usually high in calories, contain bad carbs & excess salt and lack real nutrients. Bring fruits, salads, mixed nuts etc with you on your flight. Keep yourself light and energized.

4.Get Social (In Person)

Hear us Out!

Making small talk can be an exhausting task, but chatting with a fellow traveler keeps you alert when you are flying. It keeps your mind active, engages you, and who knows, might actually be a fun way to pass the time and make friends.

5Grab Your Napping Gear

Sleeping on the plane can be uncomfortable but bringing along a good eye mask and noise cancelling headphones can help you sleep in peace. It’s a good way to catch up on sleep especially on for early morning or late night flights.

6.Get Moving

Not moving enough on the airplane is the biggest reason why you feel inactive after a flight.

Why not use the aisle instead?

Stretching and small muscle-friendly exercises will help you keep your energy up and your body active. Speaking of which, mind your posture as well! A simple shoulders-back-and-spine-straight stance will go a long way.

7.Stay Hydrated

Did you know ? Our body sheds up to 1.5 litres of water during a three hour flight!

Remember to regularly drink water during a flight. It will keep the oxygen levels in your body up and will help boost your energy. You will feel energetic and lively .

8.Get Some Exercise

Once you reach your destination and have settled in , go for a run!

It sounds like a tough thing to do, but a good run after your flight can set your biological clock right back on track. You won’t feel a type of physical or mental sluggishness. These days business travellers all around the world do HIIT(high-intensity interval training) exercises to keep themselves fit and energized after a flight.

9.Unwind and Relax

Deep breathing exercises, yoga and meditation are also healthy activities to re-energize yourself after a long flight. They reduce your anxiety and act as de-stressors. These exercises will reduce any kind of exhaustion you have after a flight.

So,the next time your flight gets delayed and need a place to relax, don’t worry! Download the Airwhizz app and get all the information about sleep pods, airport lounges ,bars, restaurants and other things to do at the airport .

Re-energize, Relax and #FLYSTRESSFREE!

Do you head straight for the nearest fast food counter at the airport?
Do the odd hours and lack of time always lead you to the nearest unhealthy option available?
Eating right and watching calories at the airport can be tricky!
Follow these smart tips from our experts and you can eat a quick healthy meal the next time you fly!

1.Savour Every Bite

Don’t be in a hurry to finish your meal! Slow down and relax!

Take your time to chew the food well and savour it. Not chewing your food properly can make you feel bloated, uncomfortable, dissatisfied. It also adds to the fat in your body.

So set a time aside for a meal or wait till you board your flight and then eat.

2.Load up on Fruits and Veggies

The toughest part about eating healthy in airports is finding food with fruits and veggies

Get a sandwich with extra greens or even a nice soup. You could also grab some fruit and yogurt at some airport cafes. Such foods are low in calories but high in fiber, so they’ll keep you full while you fly.

3.Eat at Regular Intervals

It helps you to maintain blood sugar levels in your body, reduces craving for food and keeps you energized during your flights. It also helps you burn fat faster because this eating habit increases your metabolic rate.

Try to always carry  food with you so you can eat at regular intervals.

4.Bring Snacks Along

These days airlines and airports allow you to carry packed snacks from home. So go ahead and save time, your money and keep a check on what exactly you’re eating.

Fruits, salads, mixed nuts etc are all good options to bring on your flight.

Eat your healthy homemade munchies while you watch an in-flight movie and skip the bland airplane meals!

5.Skip the Carbs and Fats

This is a tough one! Especially when you’re looking to grab a quick bite.  But skip processed foods like chips and cookies. They contain unnecessary calories, fat, and sugar.

Sandwiches with cheese and meat are a big no-no! They’re heavy and hard to digest since you’ll be spending most of your time sitting on the flight.

6.Avoid ‘Salady’ Sounding Food

Do not eat the tuna salad, chicken salad etc available at the airport. No, they aren’t healthy! They contain lots of mayonnaise, cheese, and other fatty dressing.

These so-called salads are quite deceiving, They make you feel bloated and uncomfortable on the flight and don’t really help with that diet you have been following to stay fit.

7.Stay Sober

Free Booze at the Airport Lounge?  Fancy Airport Bars? Stay strong, stay sober!

Alcohol is a great way to pass time at the airport when your flight is delayed or you are on a long stopover but it is not your friend. It has very serious effects on your body when you’re flying.

Apart from adding empty calories to your body, alcohol dehydrates you as well. This can cause headaches on the flight and even a serious case of a hangover.

Once you arrive at your destination enjoy that beverage.

8.Steer Clear of Salty Food

Chips, pretzels, instant noodles etc at the airport can curb your hunger in a jiffy but they’re very high in salt content.

Excessive salt is bad for everyone, but it is worse for frequent flyers since foods with high amount of salt increase the chances of high blood pressure and retains fluid in your body making you feel bloated when you fly.

To avoid this eat a freshly prepared meal at one of the airport restaurants and request the chef to add less salt to your food.

9.Research Your Airport

Find out which terminal you will need to board your flight from. This will help you to search about the restaurants and eateries at that particular terminal.

Restaurants these days upload their menus on the airport website for you to plan your meal accordingly. You can know where the healthy eating options are, you wll make better eating choices the next time you fly.

The next time you fly and want to know where to eat at the airport, download the AirWhizz app. It gives you information airport restaurants and eateries and their location at your airport terminal. You also get great deals and discounts at the airport, live flight updates and a whole bunch of services for your trip. #FLYSTRESSFREE with AirWhizz.