US lifts compensation cap for bumped passengers
Uncle Sam has just raised the caps on the amounts airlines must pay passengers who get bumped involuntarily. The rule changes, which take effect next month, double the limit carriers must pay to The Inconvenienced. This is the way it will work: If you get bumped and the carrier gets you on another flight and to your destination less than an hour late, you get nothing. If, however, they get you there between one and two hours late (one and four for international flights), they owe you compensation of 100 percent for that flight, up to a cap of $400. If it's more than two hours (or four for international flights), they owe you 200 percent, with a limit of $800. Bear in mind this does not affect you if they tell you they're overbooked and you voluntarily give up your seat. Then the compensation is a matter of mutual agreement (usually, when they ask for volunteers they tell you what they're offering).The rule changes also cover more flights: any flight with 30 seats or more (before you had to be on one with 60 seats to qualify).
US Airways to offer charge for getting 'choice seating'
In an attempt to help offset the rising cost of fuel, US Airways says it is going to give passengers the "option" of paying at least $5 a flight for a "choice" aisle or window seat in the first several rows of coach. The airline's elite frequent-flier members, however, will be able to book these seats for free. The program reportedly will kick off May 7 and initially be offered just to travelers using Web check-in at the carrier's site.
PAUL MAKISHIMA
