Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Judge
I don't know where that rant came from but to answer the original question, if the delay was known before the scheduled departure time and a new time was posted, I would follow the new time for releasing the seats. If the delay came after the time where seats should be released, I see no problem in having released them even if the delay is lengthy. In other words, I would only wait in releasing them if the scheduled departure time turned in to a delay BEFORE the seats should be released. Does that make sense??
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What I said was not a rant as it was not something I directed at anybody. The writing in bold was my suggestion for a sign that may be put at the airport
The situation I contemplated from the OP's post was:
Passenger arrives at check in at 2 p.m. for a flight leaving at 4 p.m. He would have to get to the boarding area for 3.30 p.m. When he checks in the agent tells him the flight is now leaving at 6 p.m. So his new boardng time is 5.30 p.m. He may even see the new departure time after he checks in, on one of the monitors.
So knowing that his flight is delayed, he goes to have a meal or drink, browses the airport shops to pass the time, intending to get to the gate for 5.30. But the airline's plans change. At 5 they get the all clear to leave before the 5.30 and they leave 5 passengers who have checked in and are on their way to boarding (remember these people's bags are on board - isn't there a security issue?). I am saying yes they can leave if they want to as far as the passengers are concerned, but the passengers must be compensated if they ask for it and given the next flight out.
The reason for my writing in bold was to stress the point, if there are people who don't want compensation, that's even better for the airline. Just compensate the one who wants it.