The Travellers Warehouse

Peter Greenburg, a contributor for The Today Show related an experience he had  at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport where he found himself stranded.  He invoked the old “Rule 240″ regulation that states that when flights are delayed or cancelled for anything other than weather the airline has to re-book a passenger on the next available flight. That means that flight can be on any airline. The ticket agent may try to get you on one of their flights, but that flight may not leave until the next morning.  By asking nicely about Rule 240 there may be help for a stranded passenger.

Greenburg noticed that while flights were cancelled on his chosen airline other flights on other carriers going to the same destination were leaving on time.  He invoked Rule 240, and it was only then that airline employees began booking flights for stranded passengers.

Most airlines that were around before de-regulation adhere to the rule. Some of the newer airlines never had the rule in their guidelines and they may not follow it.  But it doesn’t hurt to try!

The rule was enacted by the Civil Aeronautics Board which used to regulate airlines. Airlines had to pay tariffs and documentation governing them included all the company rules on delays, baggage and fare conditions.  These documents included the 240 Rule. After deregulation airlines were not required to submit tariffs anymore, however a lot of them reluctantly will still honor the rule, especially if a passenger brings it up.

Also, keep your eyes on the departure boards.  Check and see when your flight is leaving from its’ original destination and when the plane will be arriving at your departure gate.  If the airline says the flight is delayed don’t be afraid to ask why.  If the delay is going to be too long and you will miss connecting flights nicely ask if they can invoke the 240 Rule and get you on another flight.  Sometimes they will do it, and sometimes they won’t.  But, you can try!

Even with gas prices going through the roof people are driving more because airline tickets are also becoming more expensive. Car travel actually is the lesser of two the increasing price evils, unless an individual has to get somewhere quickly. Since families cannot fly reasonably they are opting to drive to areas closer to home. For example, a young couple living in Los Angeles may decide to drive to San Francisco instead of flying there. This most likely means traveling with children may include traveling with a baby. So, let’s look at some car travel tips with baby.

1. 12 months is the usual age that a baby can travel in a car without Child Car Safety Seat, however it is a good idea to have car seats available until a child is at least two or 3 years old. The seat should be buckled to the car with the auto seat belt. Babies should be in a car seat that faces backwards in the rear middle seat of an automobile, if possible. A rear middle seat is a very safe place for your little one no matter how many people are in the car.

2. Other car travel tips with baby suggest that you take extra time in choosing a proper car seat, and take time to learn how to properly install it. Hospitals sometimes have child seat loaner programs and can help you make sure it is properly installed. It wouldn’t hurt to check. At least you would find out exactly what type of seat you need.

3. Don’t place a baby in the front seat of a car if the passenger side has an airbag because while airbags are there for safety reasons they can do real damage to a baby.

4. One of the best car travel tips with baby is: If your baby is asleep leave him/her that way. When your baby is awake and really behaving nicely interact with them by making the atmosphere pleasant. Quietly sing or hum as you drive, and talk to them. A favorite blanket or stuffed toy is nice to have handy next to the seat. There might be other favorite items that the baby would like to play with. Do everything you can to keep your child occupied.

5. Car travel tips with baby include what to do when a baby starts to yell and scream. As long as you know there is nothing wrong, ignore it, and when calm and quiet returns begin humming, singing or chatting again. The baby will get the message. There is a reward for staying quiet. You should set an example by not yelling or hollering yourself. Maintain a quiet, reserved presence. Don’t take the baby out of the car seat if he/she is just bored or having a tantrum. Try to remove them when they are quiet.

6. Older children need to be taught good behavior when riding in a car especially when a baby is present. Early travel education needs to include instructions on how to always keep their own seat belts fastened.

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