logo
Flight passenger's rant about airline standby practices goes viral as record summer travel gets underway

Flight passenger's rant about airline standby practices goes viral as record summer travel gets underway

Fox News6 days ago

An individual has taken to social media to rant that he or she is "tired of airlines acting like they're doing you a favor for putting you on a flight you paid for" just as the busiest summer travel season gets underway — sparking a heated discussion online among other travelers.
"I book a flight weeks in advance and find out I've been put on standby when I get to the airport," wrote the person in a Reddit post, which elicited more than 5,000 reactions.
"I then get told, 'Oh, you're lucky we got you the last seats available.'"
The person added on the Reddit travel thread, "Lucky? I paid for this flight weeks in advance."
The Redditor went on to say, addressing an unnamed airline in the post, "You oversold the flight and are now scrambling people around and are acting like you're doing me [a] favor for getting me a seat on the flight I originally booked and paid for."
One individual responded to the post, "They will cancel or change the flight at a moment's notice, but if you change it, it's a problem and costs more."
That reply alone attracted some 3,000 reactions.
The vast majority of commenters agreed with the original post and expressed similar levels of outrage.
"They rarely admit fault and if you make a mistake, it usually costs you," said another person. "It would be fair if they took responsibility, especially for overbooking."
"You paid for your ticket. You did your part."
Wrote yet another person in part, "While I understand the concept of positive positioning for customer service, it's insulting for them to use the word 'lucky' here. You paid for your ticket. You did your part. They created a problem and they had to solve it."
Said another commenter, "If you fly first class, they actually treat you like a person once you get on the plane."
Others online shared different perspectives — with some expressing confusion about the situation described.
"Did you make sure to check in 24 hours in advance?" wrote one person. "Some airlines will release your seat to standby if [you're] not checked in by the last hour or so."
Others also said they've never been bumped and asked the original poster for more details.
"I have never experienced that," wrote one person. "I don't take that many domestic flights, but I do travel quite a lot internationally. I [have] never been bumped or had my ticket canceled."
Said another person, "This has never happened to me. Ever."
Wrote someone else, "Did you buy a basic fare with no assigned seat? I'm confused as to how they could move you to standby."
With July 4th just up ahead, Americans are predicted to set a travel record this year to celebrate during the nation's 249th birthday.
AAA released its "Independence Day Travel Forecast" report, finding that 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this July 4th, Fox News Digital previously reported.
The forecast looks not just at the Fourth of July but at holiday travel spanning from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6.
The 2025 report is predicting an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year, while determining there will be seven million more travelers compared to 2019.
Over 60 million Americans are set to drive to their destination, which is a 2.2% increase from 2024.
Of the millions predicted to travel, 8% or 5.84 million Americans will be flying to their destinations.
About 4.78 million travelers will be taking other forms of transportation such as cruises or trains.
Ashley DiMella of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Canadian firefighter says he was denied entry to U.S.: 'Good enough to fight their wars but not good enough to cross their borders'
Canadian firefighter says he was denied entry to U.S.: 'Good enough to fight their wars but not good enough to cross their borders'

Yahoo

time33 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Canadian firefighter says he was denied entry to U.S.: 'Good enough to fight their wars but not good enough to cross their borders'

A B.C. firefighter says he was denied entry into the United States, where he was going to take part in a competition for First Responders from different countries around the world. Jamie Flynn posted on social media on Thursday to detail what happened to him when he was en route to Birmingham, Alabama. He said he was supposed to represent Vancouver firefighters in the Jiu Jitsu category at the World Police & Fire Games. He described the games as an 'international event uniting frontline responders through sport,' in a post on Instagram. 'Being denied entry to the United States is deeply upsetting,' he told National Post in an emailed statement on Friday. 'I lost my flights, my time away, and my opportunity to compete at the World Police & Fire Games in Alabama — an event I had trained extensively for.' Flynn said he is a British citizen living in Canada as a permanent resident. He is a firefighter in Vancouver and volunteers with Squamish Search and Rescue. He has served in the British Parachute Regiment (SFSG) and has also served alongside U.S. forces under Joint Special Operations Command. 'I operated under U.S. command, wore the American uniform, and fought under the American flag. I've always felt a strong bond with the United States,' he told National Post. 'I have no criminal record and no known issues that would justify this denial.' In his post on Instagram, he said he trained for the competition in the U.S. for months. 'And still, I'm grounded — sidelined not by injury or lack of effort, but by bureaucracy and silence,' he wrote. Flynn intended to fly to Alabama from Vancouver International Airport on Wednesday. He never made his flight because his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) had expired and would not be renewed, Global News reported. He said he received an update on the ESTA app that said, 'Travel not authorized.' ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is valid for two years, or until a passport expires, and allows for multiple entries. If a traveller receives a 'travel not authorized' response to their application, CBP says online that they can look into applying for a visa if they still wish to enter the country. The denial only prohibits travel under the Visa Waiver Program and does not determine eligibility for a visa, per the agency. Canadian citizens travelling with a Canadian passport do not need to apply for an ESTA. Flynn said that he did not receive an explanation from anyone at the U.S. border, the U.S. consulate or the ESTA program. 'This feels like a clerical error,' he said, and, he added, it's cost him thousands of dollars. 'I'm gutted. I'm angry. And I want answers.' He ended the post with the line: 'We were good enough to fight their wars — but not good enough to cross their borders.' Flynn told National Post that he is looking forward to being able to visit the U.S. again in the near future. He has since submitted a visa application. Unfortunately, he said, the earliest available appointment is Feb. 11, 2027. University of Toronto law professor and Rebecca Cook Chair in Human Rights Law Audrey Macklin said her advice for travellers going to the U.S. is to avoid it altogether 'unless absolutely necessary.' 'Even at the best of times, states often treat non-citizens arbitrarily, and do not feel obliged to explain their actions,' she told National Post over email. 'This is sometimes justified on the ground that non-citizens do not have a right to enter, and therefore have no standing to complain about how a decision to admit or exclude is made. Since the rule of law is in free fall in the United States at the moment, the arbitrariness is more extreme, more coercive, and more frequent. That is why travellers should avoid the United States if they can.' U.S. Customs and Border Protection Public Affairs Officer Jessica Turner said in an emailed statement to National Post that 'CBP cannot comment on specifics regarding travellers' ESTA denials.' 'U.S. Embassies and Consulates are not able to provide details about ESTA denials or resolve the issue that caused the ESTA denial,' she said. 'Embassies and Consulates will process an application for a non-immigrant visa, which, if approved, will be the only way that a traveler whose ESTA application has been denied would be authorized to travel to the U.S.' U.S. deports 70-year-old man after he 'violently' kicked a customs dog at an airport U.S. man drives into Canada by mistake, gets busted with 78 pounds of pot on the way back Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.

Travel Just Got Riskier: How To Stay Safe In A Dangerous World
Travel Just Got Riskier: How To Stay Safe In A Dangerous World

Forbes

time38 minutes ago

  • Forbes

Travel Just Got Riskier: How To Stay Safe In A Dangerous World

How do you travel safely at a time like this? getty Deborah Kaminetzky was canoeing through Peru's Amazon rainforest last week when the bombs started falling in Iran. She wondered about her return trip to the U.S. "I've discussed ways to get back to the U.S. should airspace be closed down," she says. The leading contender: Booking a cheap cruise through the Panama Canal and coming home by sea. Her backup plan wasn't paranoia, even though the Middle East is far away from South America. It was preparation. Days earlier, Iran's bombing had escalated global tensions, potentially throwing trips like hers into disarray. Kaminetzky, an IT project management consultant from Woodmere, NY, says she felt safe in South America, but the prospect of returning to the U.S. with the world on edge puts her on edge. "I'm watching the skies," she adds. Travel isn't as safe as it used to be It's not your imagination. Travel just got a little riskier. A U.S. State Department worldwide advisory now urges Americans to exercise increased caution abroad. Rising crime, protests, and retaliatory threats have turned once-benign destinations into potential flashpoints. "Yes, travel is more dangerous right now," says John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet, a medical transport and security response program for travelers. But dangerous how ? In the past, many destinations had specific, well-known risks that travelers could prepare for, according to Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. "Today, the risks are more complex," he adds. "They're often layered, ambiguous, and harder to spot. This makes travel potentially more dangerous, especially for those who are unaware of these evolving challenges." What are travelers afraid of? Nearly half (47 percent) of travelers surveyed by Squaremouth expect flight delays and disruptions to be worse this year than in years past, signaling growing concern ahead of the busy summer season. "Growing unpredictability is fueling anxiety among travelers," says Squaremouth spokesman Ned Tadic. The latest Global Rescue Summer 2025 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey finds over 80 percent of travelers say they are either "very concerned" (28 percent) or "somewhat concerned" (55 percent) that instability could still affect travel through the end of 2025. "While the ceasefire has brought a measure of relief, it has not fully restored traveler confidence," says Global Rescue spokesman Bill McIntyre. Where are the new danger zones? I asked security experts, insurers, and seasoned globetrotters to help identify the dangerous places for travelers. Their advice: Rethink where you go, how you get there, and what you buy. Don't go here. There are a few Middle East destinations that shouldn't be on your list now, according to Gobbels. He recommends avoiding the Gulf states, including Oman, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. Obviously, Israel and Iran are off-limits during any conflict. He's also concerned about conflict erupting between Taiwan and China. If things take a turn for the worse there, you might want to reroute your trip to Hong Kong. Level 4 "Do Not Travel" countries, such as Iran, Russia, and Haiti, are no-gos, but Level 3 spots like Egypt also warrant scrutiny. "Even Level 2 countries have Level 4 zones," he warned, citing India's border with Pakistan. The touristy areas. Valerie Bowden, a frequent traveler who runs an outsourcing agency, says it's not just the country, but also the location. For example, the anti-tourism protests in France make touristy areas particularly vulnerable. She's avoiding popular museums in Paris this summer. "I've never been more hesitant to travel as an American than I am now," she adds. (And don't forget Spain, where they're squirting tourists with water pistols.) Even the borders can be dangerous. Rob Housman, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney and national security expert, says many travelers are getting snagged at the border, coming back into the United States. His advice: Disable biometric identification on your phone. "That way, the CBP can't use your eye or finger to access your phone," he says. He says the government has been reviewing users' social media, and you could get detained if you've posted something objectionable. Housan also recommends using privacy apps for email and other communication, which are more difficult for agents to access. How do you travel safer this summer? But experts say you can still travel this summer without incurring unnecessary risks. Monitor your whole itinerary. Arthur Harris, a security consultant, just rerouted clients from Dubai to Frankfurt after Gulf airspace closures stranded passengers. He says it's important to review your entire itinerary for security vulnerabilities. Check for connections in major hubs that could be vulnerable, such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Doha. "Watch your entire itinerary — not just the destination," he stressed. "A connection in a shutdown zone can wreck your trip." How about travel insurance? War or acts of war have generally been excluded from coverage for standard travel insurance policies, according to Terry Boynton, president of Yonder Travel Insurance. "And since the war and conflict in Israel have been ongoing since 2023, any claims related to those events likely won't be covered." Pro tip: If you're heading somewhere with growing tensions or just feeling uneasy, purchase a plan with 'cancel for any reason' benefits. "It lets you cancel for reasons outside the standard list and still get some of your money back,' says Wendy Stahl, travel insurance product director at AXA Partners US. Get help. A travel advisor can help you monitor your trip and recommend changes you need to make for a safer trip. Your travel insurance policy can also help. For example, Allianz Travel Insurance has a mobile app called Allyz with destination-specific safety and security alerts that will warn you about known risks at your destination. The app and the alerts are free for anyone to download and use. "When travel is unavoidable or catastrophe strikes while you're traveling, there are ways to mitigate your safety risk and ensure you're able to continue with your trip or return home when it's safe to do so," says Daniel Durazo, a spokesman for Allianz. Speaking of insurance, is it too late to get coverage if you've already booked your trip? Not necessarily, says Will Nihan, president of Travelex Insurance Services. 'If you've already booked your trip, it's not too late to purchase travel insurance with coverage for events such as terrorism," he explains. "However, you must purchase your policy before the event becomes foreseeable to be eligible for coverage. It's a good practice to review the policy details thoroughly before you buy to understand any limitations.' When should you bail out on your trip? I asked several travel experts when they'd cancel a trip. The consensus: If the State Department declares your destination a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" country. If an airspace closure at your destination lasts more than 48 hours. If there's no safe way to reroute you through a different airport, land, or sea route. But don't be too trigger-happy with a cancellation, advises Leigh Matthews, a therapist in Barcelona who has worked with thousands of nervous travelers. "My advice is to separate media-driven fear from actual risk assessment," he says. "Check government travel advisories for your specific destinations, not general news coverage. If you're genuinely concerned, adjust your itinerary rather than canceling entirely. Psychological preparation and having backup plans reduce anxiety more effectively than avoidance." My advice on traveling during an uncertain time I'm on the road constantly — in fact, I'm writing this on a plane between Okinawa and Seoul — and I think a certain amount of anxiety is to be expected at a time like this. But I've heard all kinds of overly cautious advice. For example, some experts have told me to avoid Turkey and Cyprus, which is absurd. Cyprus is on my itinerary in a few months, and I visited Turkey last fall. Another thing I've noticed: A lot of travelers are trying to invoke their own fears and new State Department warnings to get a refund on a nonrefundable airline ticket. But that's not how it works. An airline has to cancel your flight for you to be eligible for a refund, or you can file a claim on your "cancel for any reason" travel insurance policy, if you have one. All of which brings me to my advice, which is to stick to your plans. You'll know when it's too dangerous to travel. The airport will close, your hotels will shutter, you won't be able to rent a car. Don't let tourism protests deter you, because if you're reading this story, I can already tell you that you're not one of those tourists. You'll be fine. "It's important to remember that no travel destination is entirely safe," says Susan Sherren, founder of luxury travel agency Couture Trips. A proactive mindset is essential in today's unpredictable travel climate. Oh, and what about Kaminetzky, the IT consultant from New York? She got back to the States just fine. Apart from a brief delay, her flight home was uneventful. No one interrogated her at the airport. And she's already planning her next vacation — to a safe destination, of course.

10 Outdated Travel Items It's Time to Toss—and What to Replace Them With, From $13
10 Outdated Travel Items It's Time to Toss—and What to Replace Them With, From $13

Travel + Leisure

time3 hours ago

  • Travel + Leisure

10 Outdated Travel Items It's Time to Toss—and What to Replace Them With, From $13

f you've been traveling for years now, there's a good chance you've built up a collection of tried-and-true gear that's become your go-to for every trip. But if you haven't given your travel accessory selection an upgrade recently, there may be some outdated pieces hiding in plain sight that could be in need of a refresh. With a summer of adventure still on the horizon, we've rounded up the 10 dated travel items that you'll want to trade in this season, along with the elevated counterparts that will take your comfort, preparedness, and overall travel experience to the next level. Everything is available at Amazon for under $50, and most importantly, they will become mainstays in your gear collection for years to come. Listen, no shame if your neck wallet is the first thing you add to your personal item when packing for a big trip. But, if you're hoping to blend in with the locals instead of standing out as a tourist, now is the time to trade in your old pouch for a more secure anti-theft crossbody. Neck wallets undoubtedly make it more difficult for pickpockets to steal your cards, cash, and important travel documents, but the Travelon Anti-theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag is an even more foolproof selection with five points of security from its slash-proof straps to its locking zippers. It's still slim and easy to carry around so you don't have to concede to a bulky bag after swapping out your neck wallet, and it also offers more storage space to hold your sightseeing essentials. It's always a good idea to have a portable charger on-hand while traveling, but if you're ready for an upgrade, you'll do well to trade in your older model for an option that comes with built-in cords. The Charmast Portable Charger is an obvious step up from traditional power banks since it's equipped with four high-speed charging cables that will keep your phone, tablet, and headphones on the grid during long travel days. The front of this portable charger features a screen that lets you know exactly how much battery power the device has left, and you can even charge up to six devices at once. A portable fan is an obvious essential while traveling this summer (especially as temperatures continue to rise), but a handheld fan is so last year. This season, we're replacing them with hands-free neck fans, and they're far more convenient to travel with since they're unobtrusive, create a more immersive cooling experience, and regulate your temperature even when you're lugging suitcases through the airport. This wearable device is currently on sale for just $28, and it offers 360-degree cooling without blades so you don't have to worry about your hair or jewelry getting tangled. It can run up to 16 hours on a single charge and boasts five different speeds—and best of all, it barely makes a sound. Your old, bulky toiletry kit is probably taking up far more precious packing space than you have to spare—and it's also likely difficult to sort through in order to find exactly what you're looking for without taking everything out first. Your solution is not only a slim dopp kit that'll easily slot into your suitcase, but also a bag that unfurls to expose a multitude of pockets inside. The Baggallini Toiletry Kit is designed with a convenient hook that allows you to keep it off the hotel bathroom sink while providing easy access to your belongings, plus the water-resistant fabric is easy to wipe down after every trip. Its wide array of pockets will keep you organized throughout your vacation, and the sleek design takes up minimal space even when stuffed to the brim with products. If you struggle to get good sleep in an unfamiliar environment (or have trouble getting shut-eye while flying), then you know how important a good sleep mask can be. However, if the feeling of fabric against your lids is uncomfortable or you're tired of excess light leaking in from the gaps between the material and your skin, it's time to make the switch to a contoured eye mask. This cushy 3D mask is designed to entirely block out light while putting no additional pressure against your eyelids so you can finally get some good rest while traveling. It's made from memory foam so it'll be soft and cushy against your skin, and it's even contoured to sit comfortably over your nose without letting light in. Scattered travelers may rely on a passport holder to keep their vital documents all in one place, but the old-school iteration is officially on the outs in favor of a case equipped with a handy AirTag slot. We've long touted AirTags as a saving grace for traveling with checked luggage, but they're also great for keeping track of your passport since they slot directly into the pouch of this faux-leather carrying case. It's still compact and easy to pack and locate in your bag, now just with a techy upgrade—and it's a safe place to store your boarding pass, cards, and SIM card, as well. Bare feet are possibly the greatest universal 'ick' of travel, so since you should already be wearing a pair of socks in-flight, you may as well make the upgrade from ankle socks to a snug compressive pair. This pack of three from Charmking is a top-rated pick at Amazon, and even flight attendants have raved that they offer 'very comfortable support' and are 'perfect for flight.' Compression socks help reduce leg discomfort and swelling while you're traveling, and in fact, they can even help cut down on fatigue following a long flight while promoting blood flow. Move aside, ankle socks. If you're dedicated to your old wired headphones, there's nothing wrong with that. However, if you're looking for an easy way to make your travel experience run a little more smoothly, switching over to cordless headphones and a bluetooth audio adapter will certainly do the trick. The Avantree Relay Airplane Bluetooth Adapter plugs directly into the seatback screen and connects to your cushy noise-cancelling headphones, allowing you to do away with the cord blocking your seatmates from the aisle as well cutting out another tangling hazard in your personal item. As an added bonus, it can even connect to two pairs of headphones at once, so if you're traveling with a partner or friend you can enjoy the same in-flight program together. Backpacks will always be one of the best personal item options since they keep your hands free and they're generally pretty spacious. However, there is a hierarchy of backpacks, and it's time to trade in your laptop bag for a carry-on backpack if you're truly dedicated to becoming a carry-on-only traveler. This best-selling bag unzips like a clamshell suitcase so you can pack it to the brim, and it's even fitted with a mesh organizational pocket and built-in straps to keep your belongings neatly in place throughout your journey. The exterior is water-resistant so you can still safely store electronics inside, and it's on sale for just $30 right now. Whether you've been known to pack your own blanket for the airplane or rely on the airline-issued option, rest assured your travel experience will hit a new high with the addition of a pillow and blanket duo to your packing list. When they're not in use, each piece folds into each other and slides over the handle of your rolling suitcase so as not to take up extra space in your personal item. Plus, they're made of a far softer, cozier fabric than the threadbare fleece blankets airlines typically provide. The duo is lightweight, packable, and even flight attendant-approved. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store