Answers to Commonly Misunderstood Airline Questions

All flight decisions in the United States come down from the Federal Aviation Administration certified aviation god called the Chief Dispatcher. If he or she determines that the safety of the passengers or crew is compromised in any way, the flight is cancelled.

This position, along with air traffic controllers is very stressful. Every day they make difficult decisions with your best interest in mind. Please don't berate airline employees who simply follow instructions to ensure your safety, and maybe your life.

This list of commonly asked questions may alleviate some of your anger when traveling. And maybe it won't. But, even if you are angry, please remember that reservation agents, airline attendants, and ramp agents are regular people trying to do their jobs. Try not to ruin their day.

CHECKING IN

Why do I have to arrive an hour early at the airport if it only takes me ten minutes to check in? Tickets are computerized and computers sometimes have problems. These problems are seldom fixed quickly. Another problem may be that the passenger has a boarding pass, but may not be listed in the computer. Sometimes, reservation agents have to call a different airline and have to wait on the line like anyone else - another task that takes time. Reservation agents do not have a special number.

Why is my seat changed after I already chose a seat online? A lot depends on the subsequent flights. Seating is also arranged by weight and balance on smaller planes.

I'm a few minutes late and I can see the plane on the runway, why can't I just get on it? Airports are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and must follow strict safety guidelines. Often times reservationists would like to help a late passenger, but, if a discrepancy is reported by anyone, the reservation agent could lose his or her position.

Another factor to consider is the Transportation Security Administration. (TSA). Airlines must work closely with TSA, who also have a cut-off time. If TSA says, "No more bags," agents can't argue with that.

I traveled more than an hour to get to the airport, now my flight is cancelled. Why wasn't I told sooner? Airport personnel do their best to contact passengers if time allows. Sometimes, flights are cancelled at the last minute. Also, keep in mind to give your cell phone number (rather than a house phone number) when making your reservation so that you may be reached on short notice.

ON THE PLANE

Why does my seat back have to be in the upright position for take off? In the event of a crash before take-off or landing a reclined seat may result in a broken neck to the person in front of or behind the seat.

I live in a small town, why do I have to still arrive an hour early when there are only two people on the plane? As stated above, problems do arise and an hour goes by quickly. Small towns still have to go through all the lengthy check-in procedures that larger airports do.

How does an airline lose my luggage so easily? Every effort is made to be specific about bag tags. Not all bag tags are printed by machine, so there will occasionally be a human error. Furthermore, when the aft of a plane is packed with one hundred pieces of luggage, bag tags sometimes get torn off.

Why does the airline say there are no seats available, then, during the flight I see several empty seats? In larger jets, there may be more freedom in a few hundred pounds difference in weight and balance. But, in smaller aircrafts, weight and balance is critical to a safe flight. With a couple hundred pounds of luggage in addition to passengers and four thousand pounds of fuel, it's the pilot's job to ensure the aircraft can be navigated safely.

Why does my armrest have to be down during take-off? If an aircraft experienced difficulty on the ground that resulted in an accident, an upright armrest may cause injury to the spine. While no injury is looked upon favorably, with the armrest down, the hip or leg is more likely to be at risk than the spine.

ABOUT THE AIRCRAFT

Why do we have to de-ice when it's not cold or snowing? Ice build-up occurs when warm metal meets cool, moist air. This usually happens when landing or taking off through clouds. Many different conditions cause ice. It's always better to be over cautious in this case.

Who cancels flights? The Chief Dispatcher cancels flights. Some pilots do not get paid unless they are in the air flying, so they want to get off the ground as badly as you do. Try not to blame the crew for instructions beyond their control.

I get nervous when I see the plane being de-iced. Is it really safe? Absolutely. The de-icing mixture is usually 50/50 glycol and water. Glycol is a thick, slippery substance like an anti-freeze. The mixture is heated to 170 degrees (give or take 10 degrees) and sprayed directly on the ice.

The colder the outside temperature is, the less time a pilot has to get the plane off the ground. Directly after de-icing, the ramp agent will give the thumbs up that de-icing is complete and the pilot takes off within minutes while the fluid is still actively working.