Expert: Roberto Gomes - 8/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Roberto

I would like to know what air travel regulations are regarding hotel
accomodation during a layover. I will be flying on Olympic Airlines from
London to Johannesburg as below
From   To   Departure   Arrival   Flight   Travel Category   stops
London Heathrow   Athens   16:35, 10/9/2008   22:10, 10/9/2008   
OA270    Economy Restricted   0
Athens   Johannesburg   01:05, 12/9/2008   09:10, 12/9/2008   
OA105    Economy Restricted   0

So my layover is more than 24 hours. I do not see an alternative flight option,
and this schedule is what OA gave me on their site.

Perhaps you could answer this question in general, and specifically for my
case.

Thanks
Hazel

ANSWER: Dear Hazel,

For this particular itinerary, you will need to make you own arrangements for the overnight.

Also in order to answer you if you can leave the airport I'll need some information such as your nationality to check any visa requirements for the layover in Greece.

Finally, you can check flight options with British Airways (fares from £776) and South African (£522 fare still available for 09OCT departure). Both operate non-stop flights.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is there a general regulation about layovers?
Hazel


Answer
Dear Hazel,

No. Only when it's in the airline interest, i.e., a promotional package to launch a new route, when competition made a move to increase the market share and others.

Of course, a layover is regulated when a mis-connection happens due to airline's fault, i.e., mechanical problems and other delays associated with factors that the airline can control.

Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes