Rolling Rains Report:

What is it Like to Fly the "No Frills" Skybus Airlines?

What is it like to fly the "no frills" Skybus airlines?

Well, I don't know yet. (I haven't had much cause to want to go to Columbus, Ohio recently). Their web site sounds like they know how to follow the Air Carriers Act however.

One wonders if their system of allow passengers to explain their travel needs only through an online interface is sufficient. I have found no other airline that allows appropriate specificity of information that can be left in one's customer profile or included when purchasing a ticket.

From the Skybus site:

Have Special Travel Needs? Skybus Is Ready to Help

We’re happy to help our passengers who require a little extra assistance. Here’s how to ensure that you get the help you need.

Tell us in advance what you’ll need

1. When you make your reservation, just let us know if you or any passengers traveling with you will require any special assistance, for example any seating accommodation that requires early boarding (wheelchair, etc).

2. At the top of the Passenger Information page, you’ll be asked “Will any passengers require special assistance?” If you select ‘yes’, just follow the simple instructions, and we’ll handle the rest.

3. If you decide after you’ve made your reservation that you need special assistance, it’s no problem. Just go to the “View/Change Your Reservation” area on the Skybus Home page, enter the required information, then select “Change or Add Special Assistance”. Then follow the instructions.

Remember: The sooner you tell us about your needs, the better we can accommodate you.
Understand what we can provide, and what we can’t

* Skybus is a self-service airline, so there’s no 800 number to call. You must let us know about your needs using the website.
* We will carry wheelchairs and other assistance devices for your personal use, at no additional charge.
* If you’d like wheelchair assistance at the airport, please let us know ahead of time, when you book your flight(s).
* Passengers needing additional assistance will be invited to board first. Please note: federal safety regulations may prohibit such passengers from choosing a seat in an emergency exit row.
* Trained, certified service animals may travel free of charge in the airplane cabin. You’ll need to provide proof that the animal is a service animal.
* We are not equipped to transport or provide additional medical oxygen or other hazardous materials and/or contained gas either in the passenger cabin or as cargo or baggage. However, we do allow passengers to carry certain types of portable oxygen concentrators including AirSep Lifestyle, AirSep FreeStyle, Inogen One, Sequal Eclips, and Respironics Inc. EverGo. For more information please see “Common Questions about Special Travel Assistance” in our Help Center.
* A lift will be available for passengers who need it. The method by which passengers board our planes is different depending on the airport. At some airports, passengers use a jetway between the terminal and the aircraft. At others, passengers board and deplane using portable stairs. Rest assured, there’s always a lift available for passengers who aren’t able to climb stairs. We do ask that you let us know ahead of time that you require assistance, as described above.
* Our airplanes are not equipped to transport customers who require stretchers, incubators, respirators, or other specialized medical devices.

What You Need to Do

* If your wheelchair must be taken apart for transport, please check in at least 90 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. This will ensure that the personnel and equipment are available to serve you in a timely manner.
* If your disability is such that you require assistance from a specially trained individual, make arrangements for that individual to travel with you. Our employees receive only the training required for onboard emergencies.

For additional information, see the Special Travel Needs section of our Help Center.

Posted by rollingrains at January 22, 2008 02:02 PM