I have collected epidemic travel experiences from foreign airline practitioners and shared them with you for future use:
Overbooking Compensation
Before the epidemic, international routes were usually overbooked during the summer peak season, and passengers who voluntarily changed their flights could receive generous compensation (European routes are subject to EU standard compensation: if the arrival at the destination is delayed within four hours, the compensation will be 300 euros, and if the destination is delayed within four hours, the compensation will be 300 euros. The compensation will be 600 euros). When changing your flight, you can request a direct flight to your destination. Depending on the waiting time at the airport, you can also apply for free meal coupons and use of lounges and other services.
Standby ticket
Currently, foreign airlines generally operate one to three flights per week during the epidemic, with fewer flights and more passengers. If you really can’t buy a ticket, you can try to go directly to the airport to buy a ticket and wait for it. Due to the rapid changes in epidemic prevention requirements in various countries, some people may be refused check-in because they do not meet the conditions, so the probability of empty seats is relatively high.
Lost luggage
After arriving at the destination airport, if you find that your luggage is lost, please do not panic and register your luggage information and personal address with the airline immediately. 80% of lost luggage will be delivered to the destination city on the next flight, and the airline will arrange for express delivery into your hands.
If you do not fill in your local address when registering lost luggage, you can receive temporary compensation, ranging from approximately US$50 to US$300. Temporary compensation is provided by airlines to passengers to purchase toiletries and simple clothing. If you receive your luggage later, you can also complain about the delay and receive additional compensation. If unfortunately it is really lost and has not been found after 21 days, it will be deemed lost and most airlines will compensate you by the kilogram.
Checked Baggage
When checking your luggage, be sure to inform the staff that there are fragile items in your luggage (it’s best to ask for a fragile tag) and ask that your luggage be taken to the oversized check-in counter. Baggage at the large check-in counter is handled by porters throughout the entire process to avoid damage caused by falling due to ups and downs on the baggage conveyor belt or collision with other baggage. Porters will take special care and will often place fragile luggage on top of other luggage to prevent it from being squeezed. Upon arrival, this type of luggage is usually among the first to be unloaded, reducing waiting times.
Free Seat Selection
When purchasing a ticket, there is generally an additional fee to select a seat, but airlines usually open online check-in 1 to 3 days before departure, at which time most seats can be selected for free.
