What to Do If You Are Bumped from a Flight

When Bumped from a Flight

How to turn bad news to good news when your plane is overbooked

The departure lounge is overflowing. The gate attendant announces the flight is overbooked. Should you accept the airline's offer for another flight? The International Air Passengers Association offers some counsel:

What is overbooking?

For any given flight, a certain percentage of people will not show up for whatever reason. Ariline companies track the average no-show rate for specific routes and overbook accordingly. If the no-show rate is usually about 10 percent, the airline then books the flight at 110 percent capacity.

How do I avoid being bumped from an overbooked flight?

You should get to the airport early, check in early, and get to the gate early. But watch out : sometimes just checking in at the gate doesn't necessarily count – your options change from airline to airline. Your best bet is to actually be on the plane as soon as possible. Possession is nine-tenths of the law.

If I volunteer to be bumped, what should I expect in the way of compensation?

Usually, the airlines start with the minimum that they can get away with, which is about a few hundred dollars. You're at the mercy of the lowest offer from other bidders though, so if the airline offers a free ticket, you should grab it. Be warned: the savvy traveler will ask when the next guaranteed tip to his destination is available at risk being stranded on stand-by. Also, ask yourself what out-of-pocket expenses you will incur in waiting for the next plane, and if the airline will cover them.

What are my rights if I end up being bumped against my will?

When you buy a ticket, you've made a contract with the airline/ Before you do anything, you have to make sure you've held up your end. Did you check in on time, for instance? Also, if the airline can get you to your destination within an hour of your originally scheduled time, it is free of any liability. Between one and two hours, though, it has to pay the amount of a one-way ticket to your destination. After that, the compensation doubles.

In all cases you get to keep the original ticket to use on another flight or can turn it in for a refund. Also, the Supreme Court has said that you can sue for compensatory damages to recoup whatever loss the delay might have cost you. If, for instance, being bumped forced you to miss a cruise, that was paid for in advance, you can sue for the amount of that cruise, through the airline will probably try to get you to the cruise late rather than have to pay for the whole thing.

Turn bad news to good news. Photograph by Elena.

Getting in Touch with Airline Watchdogs

To find out more about different airlines, lodge a complaint, or educate yourself about passenger rights, consider these organizations:

U.S. Department of Transportation – Consumer and Community Affairs Office: Specializes in problems with baggage handling, overbooking, and delayed flights. Also releases monthly statistics based on consumer complaints and airline reports.

Federal Aviation Administration – Consumer Hotline: An FAA watchdog, the hotline is for complaints about problems with airport security, carry-on baggage, or the FAA itself.

Federal Aviation Administration – Safety Hotline: To report violations of federal airport and airplane regulation or unsafe situations. Often the first stop for insider whistle-blowers.

Aviation Consumer Action Project – Founded in 1971 by Ralph Nader, ACAP researches consumer issues and publishes the brochure Facts and Advice for Airline Passengers. Will advise you about passenger rights and safety issues over the phone.

International Airline Passengers Association: Like members of the American Automobile Association, IAPA's 150,000 members can buy travel accident insurance or participate in the lost luggage retrieval assistance programs. Their bi-monthly travel-safety alert is a good resource for international travelers worried about airline safety and other travel problems.

American Society of Travel Agents: A travel trade organization, ASTA represents some 25,000 airlines, hotels, travel agents, rental car agencies, other travel businesses around the world. Their consumer office can provide info about packing or preparing to travel aboard and also can informally mediate consumer disputes with ASTA members.

How to Choose the Cabin on Cruise Ship

Choosing the Right Cabin on a Cruise Ship

You could end up paying a lot for a view of the lifeboats

Nothing can ruin the perfect cruise like lousy quarters. A berth next to the engines, underneath the jogging track, or within earshot of the disco, for instance, can ruin your night if you're a light sleeper. On the other hand, you need not reserve the most deluxe state-room to rest in comfort. Indeed, cruise brochures can sometimes be misleading. The description of one ship's most expensive cabin promises “three picture windows”, but neglects to point out the nearly half of the view is blocked – or that passengers walking by can stare inside. To avoid similar disasters, consider the following when selecting a cabin:

Size: Cabins costing the same can differ in size, particularly on older ships. Cabins mid-ship on older vessels are usually the largest, but ask your travel agent to supply you with the dimensions of several cabins within the class you want. Don't be fooled by the magnified photos  in brochures; compare them with the deck plans to get an idea of the actual size.

Location: On same of the largest ships, the cabins can be quite a distance from the nearest elevator. Also, party animals may want to be close to the disco, but party poopers will want to avoid it and other clearly noisy night spots. Study the deck plan carefully before choosing.

Price: Booking far in advance also puts you in line for an upgrade if an unsold higher-priced cabin becomes available at the price you paid. (Make sure your travel agent has you on the upgrade list.) Don't count on last-minute bargains – there are fewer of them than there used to be.

Bargain cabin: Outside cabins with views that are blocked by lifeboats or other obstructions often are discounted. Cabins that accommodate four people are, of course, cheaper per person than the standard room. Also, if you don't intend to spend much time in your cabin, consider one with no view at all.

Choosing the right room and cabin is very important. Photograph by Elena.

Deck by Deck

Your cabin's location can have a profound effect on your enjoyment of a cruise. The higher you go, for example, the more likely you are to suffer the ill effect of the ship's pitching and rolling. On the other hand, if you are too close to the night life, you might not get much sleep. No two ships are alike, but here is what you generally can expect on various decks:

Bridge: Expensive, spacious luxury cabins and penthouse suites. At this height, though, there can be more pitch and roll, particularly in the bow and stern. Cabins often have large outside windows, verandas, or balconies.

Aft: The aft end heavies less than the bow, but engine noise can be a problem.

Upper promenade: More expensive than lower decks, but the view is sometimes partly blocked by lifeboats.

Promenade: The entertainment deck, near bars and restaurants: It can be noisy. Some cabins even look out on a public deck.

Lower: Cabins are cheaper, but they can be affected by noise, especially in the middle, close to engine, and near the stern.

Main: Can be noisy, especially beneath the entertainment areas on the promenade above, but it usually has the most horizontal stability. Try to pick a cabin that doesn't connect internally with another.

St. Joseph Oratory

St. Joseph Oratory

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal (Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal) is Canada's largest church, a Roman Catholic basilica located on Westmount Summit in Montreal, Quebec. The basilica is dedicated to Saint Joseph. A reliquary in the church museum contains Brother André's heart, which he requested as a protection for the basilica. Millions of visitors and pilgrims visit the Oratory every year.

On 2 April 2004 Canada Post issued Saint Joseph's Oratory, Quebec in the 2004 Tourist Attractions series. The stamp was designed by Catharine Bradbury & William Stewart based on a photograph by Bernard Brault. The 49¢ stamps are perforated kiss cut and were printed by Lowe-Martin Company Inc.

Joseph, Hope of the Sick: Benevolent Joseph, the Son of God placed his life in your hands. With Mary, you cared for Him who is the force of life. May your compassion enfold our fragility, bringing us the comfort of the divine presence. We join you in prayer, saying "Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God, say a word for our healing!" Make us sensitive to the illnesses of those close to us. Support our efforts and gran us courage in the fight against all evil. Help us to find meaning in God's great project for humanity beyond the sicknesses and sufferings that blind our sight. The love of God be with us, as our hope lies with Him! Amen.

All the pictures have been taken by Elena.

Place for reflections.

St-Joseph Crypte.

The statue of Carrara marble behind the main altar is the work of the Italian artist Giacomini and was erected in 1917. 

The eight stained glass windows by the Montréal firm of Perdrieau and O'Shea were installed in 1919. They represent various episodes in the life of Saint Joseph.

Memorare to Saint Joseph: Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never has it been known that anyone who asked for your help and sought your intercession was left unaided. Full of confidence in your power, I turn to you and beg your protection. O foester-father of the Redeemer, listen to my humble prayer, and in your goodness hear and answer me. Amen 

St-Joseph central nef.

Crypt Church: As Brother Andre's chapel was becoming too small, a Crypt Church was built between 1915 et 1917 according to plans drawn up by architects Dalbé Viau and Alphonse Venne.

In 2004, the Oratory was designated a National Historic Site of Canada on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. 

Tomb of Brother André: Brother André died on January 6, 1937 at the age of 91. 

This tomb was first placed in the Crypt Church, then moved temporarily in 1944 and finally transferred to this alcove in 1949. The black granite vault was donated by the Honorable Maurice Duplessis, Premier of the Province of Québec from 1936 to 1939 and from 1944 to 1959. 

The artist Henri Charlier created the fresco above the tomb in 1937. It represents the Instruments of Passion, a central devotion of Brother André's faith, and pays tribute to the Oratory's founder with the three latin words: Pauper, Servus et Humilis (poor and humbe servant).

O Mary, my gentle mother and mother of my gentle Saviour, look upon me kindly and come to my aid. Joseph.

The orgue.

The temple as seen from Westmount.,

Central hall.

Passage on the first floor.

Walls behind the temple.

Painting on the wall.

St Joseph's Oratory is located at 3800, chemin Queen Mary, Montreal, Quebec, area code H3V 1H6.

Dog as a Movie Star

When the Movie Star Is a Dog

One of Hollywood's top canine trainers reveals his secrets

Do you have trouble getting your dog to perform even the most simple tricks? Does your pet have moxie that you don't know how to unleash? Consult trainers of some of Hollywood's biggest canine stars, who have many years' experience training leading dogs for movies. They learn the craft from their colleagues who trained the animal stars of many classic movies.

Is it better to have a professional train your pet or to do it yourself?

It doesn't help to send pets off somewhere unless you are part of the training. Dogs that are sent away come back and fall into the same old habits and routines again. It's best to do it yourself.

How would you start teaching obedience to a dog?

By doing leash work. You begin to control a dog naturally that way. Then you have to establish motiviation by rewarding you dog with a pat on the head, playtime with a ball, or a treat. You have to be fair and consistent, just as you are with a child.

What is the best way to develop a bond with your pet?

The most important thing is to spend quality time – time during the day or at night, taking a walk or playing with a ball. It's important to establish communication with your animal. Five to ten minutes a day is okey, but spend more if you can.

A Canadian actor Donald Sutherland is a proud owner of a very nice dog. Photo by Elena.

Is any special training required when there's a child in the house?

If you have a child in the house, you might want to approach a professional. If you have an aggressive dog, there are times when you might need to be careful around children. A lot oe people want Labradors because they think the kids can jump up and down on the dog and it wan't care. And of course there are times when kids will pull an ear. But it's very important for parents to teach their children to respect animals, too. Instaed of getting someone hurt, it's always better to consult someone.

How have you been able to successfully break animals of their bad habits?

Sometimes it takes a long time. I am working with a Great Dane right now that I got from the pound. He was a bad growler and he pushed people around doing so. I had to break him of that habit because it is not good to ajve a growling dog on a movie set. I showed him a lot of love and did not meet his aggression with more aggression. Now he is totally normal. So punishment is not always the answer.

How can y9u get a dog to perform a stunt?

You have to break down the task. Every dog learns in different ways and at different speeds. But you have to continue to move the dog along. For example, in the jail scene from the movie The Mask, when the dog snatches the keys away from a sleeping guard and gives them to Jim Carrey, that routine was made up of 8 or 10 different moves. The dog had to walk over, stop, look around, jump up, and so on. You usually end up having the dog perform the whole thing from the beginning. But sometimes you have two trainers talking the dog through the routine. The key is the treat, the reward. That becomes the motivation for performing the routine.

What is the most difficult thing you have trained an animal to do?

I used to work on a movie called The Truth about Cats and Dogs, in which I have to teach a dog to roller-skate. That has been very challenging.

Booking Passage on a Cruise Ship

Booking Passage Made Easy

Who to talk to and what to say for big savings in fares

Booking passage on a cruise ship can sometimes be so confusing that if you didn't need a vacation when you started, you will definitely need one by the time you set sail. Some cruise lines don't even book directly, and those that do often neglect to point out ways you can save. Where is a cruiser to turn?

A travel agent can do the job – and can book flights, cars and hotels as well – but members of the National Association of Cruise Agents or agents affiliated with Cruise Lines International Association have even greater expertise about ships, and often offer discounts that regular travel agents can't.

Some alternatives without the bells and whistles offer even better deals. Cruise discounters aren't the type to sit down with you and help you plan your cruise, but they do offer a wide variety of discounts on a limited number of ships. They are best for repeat cruise customers who know what they want.

Then there are cruise clubs, which are limited to dues-paying members and specialize in large, last-minute discounts. Dues usually range from $100 to $200 annually. Before you join, though, make sure the club really offers the discounts it claims.

Book your place on a cruise ship. Photograph by Elena.

No matter who you use to book your cruise, you will be able to get a better deal if you come across as a seasonal sailor who knows the ropes. Here are eight strategies to consider:

Book early: You get a bargain rate – sometimes as much as 50 percent off – and you are first in line to be upgraded to a better cabin.

Book off-season: You can get as much as half off if you sail when the crowds don't. Cruises from September until December 14 offer bargain prices as do those sailing during the first three weeks in January. Some deals are available in mid-season from April until July.

Join a past passenger club: If you've cruised on the same line before, you could be in line for cruise discounts, free shore expeditions, cabin upgrades, at dinner at the captain's table. Even if your cruise line doesn't have a past passenger club, make sure you inform them you've sailed before. You may get special treatment.

Sail standby: If you sail standby, a category A cabin on American Hawaii Cruises is yours for almost half off the brochure price, and they will guarantee your reservation 21 days before departure. Saver programs offer discounts about a month before sailing if space is still available.

Look at travel magazines; They carry ads for cruise discounters in the back. Cruise magazine is available everywhere.

Look for senior citizen discounts: The older set often qualify for discounts, especially off-season. For more information call the American Association for Retired People Travel Service.

Book as a group: Most ships offer discounts to groups of 10 to 15. And they sometimes throw in a free cabin for the group leader.

Book at the last minute: If you can't book early, your best bet for getting a bargain is booking late. Choices may be limited, but check with cruise discounters.

Know your agent: If you're interested in a particular cruise line, call it and ask for the names of agencies in your area. Agencies that fill ships often get price breaks. East Coast agencies may have better rates on Caribbean cruises, West Coast agencies on Alaska and Pacific cruises.