09 January 2010

The New 3 Hour Rule

And you thought I was speaking about the Tarmac rule...

Nope - this is arriving before departure.

Here is a response from Delta to my question about the issues of missing one's flights.

Dear Professor Sabena,

Thank you for contacting us through delta.com. We are sorry for the delay in responding to your message.

As a guest you may have noticed additional screening measures put into place to ensure the safety of the traveling public. Due to these additional security measures, it is recommended that our guest arrive early for their flights whether it be for domestic flights or international flights. For guest who are traveling from a non-U.S.
location to the U.S., please arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance due to the new International Security measures.

While no specific time has been given for customers to arrive for check-in on domestic flights, it is suggested to be prepared for possible delays at security.

Unfortunately, we don't have an official waiver for guests being delayed at airports and missing their flights due to additional security screening.

We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you on your next Delta flight.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Hartley
Medallion Desk

So now you know....

Cheers

2 comments:

Michael Strauss said...

I can definitely confirm the check-in process to be longer not only with Delta Airlines. On my way back from Canada last weekend, I was not even allowed to bring a headset case, camera case, or similar within my carry-on luggage which was, due to safety regulations, required to not be a briefcase or backpack but a small pocket book, laptop bag or similar. I guess this opens up a complete new fashion line for see-through bags. At this time, running out of options, I traveled with a recyclable supermarket bag.
However, being scanned quite in detail I faced the airlines’ “contribution to patriotism” first-hand by not being charged for any of my 5 bags on my way back from Canada.

http://pass-consulting-travel.blogspot.com/2010/01/airline-security-today-and-its-impact.html

Roberg said...

"As a guest you may have noticed additional screening measures put into place to ensure the safety of the traveling public. Due to these additional security measures, it is recommended that our guest arrive early for their flights whether it be for domestic flights or international flights."

This brings up a pet peave of mine - when I pay money for a service or a product, I am NOT a guest. I am a customer. Especially when I buy an airline ticket or travel on an airline, they certainly don't make me feel like a guest either. When I am a guest in someone's home I don't have to pay a nickel or dime for everything I get. When I'm a guest, my host usually foots the bill, and I may or may not bring a gift of my choosing. I don't appreciate being referred to as a guest when they take my money.

Robert