Beware of Terminology Used By Travel Industry
Several customers have recently fallen foul of an increasing trend by the Travel Industry to mislead them by using Travel Industry Terminology. By the time you realise your error, you will probably have a completely non-refundable, non-changeable ticket so BEWARE please!!!
Often referred to as a DIRECT FLIGHT (May also be Direct Route, Direct Service etc)
A particular favourite of US Carriers, a Direct Service is one where an aircraft may stop en-route. Indeed, you will probably have to change aircraft as well!
Continental Offer a Direct Service LGW to ATL but you will have to de-plane in EWR. They even have the audacity to use the same flight number so you're only issued with one ticket! BA offers a Direct Service LHR-IAH but the aircraft stops in IAD along the way.
What you're looking for, if you want to go from A to B in the shortest possible time is a NON-STOP flight so please, please, please clarify this with the Travel Agent or Reservations clerk before committing your hard-earned pieces of eight! So called "Direct Flights" are only worth it if you're going to save loads of silver doubloons!
Similarly, if booking on-line, please ensure your knowledge of Geography is up to the mark. It was embarrassing to ask for a Visa at Check-In to the couple going to St Petersburg. They were adamant they didn't need one....... "Ain't you 'eard of the Visa Waiver programme them Yanks 'ave, mate?" said the male member of the passenger team. "Yes," I replied, "Only you're not going to St Petersburg, Florida. These tickets are for St Petersburg, RUSSIA!!!"
If anyone has come across other terminology or Travel Industry pitfalls, please add them to this thread so we can steer clear of traps.
Last edited by bealine; 14th Nov 2002 at 08:54.