Expert: Patrick Smith - 10/1/2005

Question
Hi- We purchased tickets on Delta (Portland, OR to Syracuse, NY)for 10/20/05 - 10/25/05, and two days after the purchase read that Delta had filed for bankruptcy.  I'm concerned about company cutbacks....plus workers under the strain of possibly losing their jobs...and I would feel better flying on an airline not going through this kind of stress.  Are my fears completely unfounded?  We booked our flights through expedia and were just told that to switch airlines would mean leaving our money with Delta for future travel use, and purchasing all new tickets elsewhere.  I thought there would just be a cancellation fee.  Are there any loopholes  that we could use to our advantage to get a refund, minus a cancellation fee?   Thanks for your advice!  -Kristen Recchia

Answer
I wouldn't worry about it Kristen.  If you're at all concerned on behalf of those workers about to lose their jobs, the best thing you could is keep your tickets and ride Delta.  

Airlines bankruptcies, if you haven't noticed, aren't uncommon, and under the circumstances carriers are known to become extra vigilant, realizing how much they stand to lose. Two of the three largest airlines in the world -- Delta and United -- are operating in Chapter 11 right now.  Historically there has never been a correlation between airline bankruptcy status and accidents.  All airlines are trying hard to contain costs, and in many ways the Chapter 11 filing is just a paperwork formality.  If anything, it allows more flexibility for the staff, enhancing oversight.

Hope you check out my book and column if you have the time.

Best,
Patrick Smith

http://www.askthepilot.com