Chris Bowers booked a $1,400 flight for his nephew, Frazer Linscott, last November from Sapporo, Japan to Brisbane so he could accompany his daughter Sasha.

However, when Mr Bowers made the booking, he incorrectly spelt Frazer with an ‘s’ instead of a ‘z’, mistakenly spelling his nephew’s name as ‘Fraser’.

Mr Bowers told the Sydney Morning Herald once the small error was noticed, he quickly called the airline.

The customer was informed the only way it could be fixed was to cancel the flight and rebook.

In the time Mr Bowers had booked and needed to cancel and repurchase, the $1,400 fare had hiked up to a whopping $3,000.

‘The injustice was compounded when I discovered that the cancelled flight had also attracted a $300 cancellation charge bringing the total cost of a single letter spelling mistake to $1900,’ he said.

Mr Bowers made a complaint to Qantas before contacting the Airline Customer Advocate.

However, the advocacy lacks any powers for resolution.

A Qantas customer care person informed Mr Bowers that spelling could only be fixed if the booking was completely operated by the airline.

Mr Bower’s booking for his nephew included flights that were operated by Jetstar Japan, which Qantas is only a minority shareholder in.

They advised Mr Bowers the only way to fix such an issue was to cancel and rebook and warned the fare price could not be guaranteed.

Qantas also advised they would not refund the difference in fares but would instead provide a letter for his insurance company with details of the incident.

Mr Bowers said the airline had shown ‘zero empathy’ who had ‘refused to engage’ when the customer asked Qantas if they ‘thought this was the right thing to do’.

A Qantas spokesman told Daily Mail Australia said they do offer free name corrections, but they have to be made on the day of booking.

The airline also said name changes can be made to bookings with other airlines on the day of purchase without a fee if they were bought through qantas.com

‘Whilst the customer was given the correct information from our customer care team regarding changes for a Jetstar Japan booking, we have offered the customer a refund for the cancellation fee as a gesture of goodwill,’ they said.

However, Qantas ended up offering Mr Bowers a $1,600 travel voucher a day after they were contacted by media.

Consumer’s Federation of Australia chairman Gerard Brody told The Sydney Morning Herald there is a gap in the law surrounding unfair trade practices by airlines.

‘Refusing to allow a simple name change and imposing additional costs by forcing the customer to cancel a ticket and make a new booking at significant expense doesn’t sound fair,’ he said.

Read the full story originally published at dailymail.co.uk

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The 64-year-old man, who has not been named, was blacklisted by the airline after the alleged incident on a flight between London and Singapore on November 3 last year, which he said was done before he was able to give his version of events.

It is understood police in Singapore, where the plane touched down, were contacted by the flight crew and conducted inquiries regarding an ‘outrage of modesty’ offence. The ban was issued before police had completed their inquiries.

The 64-year-old is not allowed to fly with any airline in the Qantas Group or Jetstar Group, on any code-share flights operated by partner airlines, as well as from buying any flight on a Qantas-issued ticket or entering the Qantas lounge.

‘No information (regarding the allegations) was given to me at all,’ he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

‘I was in tears for the first few days. I’m beside myself even still.’

In a letter appealing the ban, the man claimed he was never warned the woman felt uncomfortable and only suspected there was an issue when she left and did not return to her seat.

He claimed he asked a flight attendant if there was a problem and was told loudly: ‘You encroached on the lady’s space and what you did was wrong’.

The man said in the letter there was some small-talk between himself and the woman as the plane was leaving London airport about topics such as what movies where showing on the plane and the recent referendum.

She was in a centre seat, with her husband in the same seat the row behind her, and the man was in the window seat.

He said she did not ask him to switch seats with her husband and that he fell asleep about an hour into the flight and woke up to find the woman gone.

Another woman on the aisle seat in their row moved seats shortly after and two flight attendants occupied the seats until the plane landed in Singapore where they escorted him off the plane.

Singapore Police were contacted and investigated the alleged incident, interviewing the man at the airport and holding his passport.

After five days police told him their investigations were completed and he was given a warning along with a letter clearing him to leave the country and return to Australia.

Once back, the man appealed the ban in writing to Qantas claiming the airline ‘humiliated’ him and that airline staff did not apply ‘due diligence’ by asking him for his side of the events.

It is understood an internal panel of Qantas staff assess such appeals using statements from witnesses including flight crew and other passengers.

Qantas on Thursday dismissed the appeal.

The airline said the allegations against the man included that he touched the woman on the inner thigh and also between her arm and breast as the plane took off.

Once she moved seats, he is then alleged to have shifted to the centre seat, made ‘unwarranted conversation’ with the woman in the aisle seat and then ordered drinks on her behalf even though she told him she wanted to go to sleep.

The man denies he switched seats and said he only touched the first woman on the knee to get her attention and ask her to wake him when meals arrived.

Read the full originally published story on dailymail.co.uk

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In 2023, several airlines around the world have emerged as the safest options for travelers. Let’s delve into the Top 20 safest airlines in the world, as ranked by Airline Rankings, and explore the criteria used to determine their safety.

What makes an airline safe?

Determining the safety of an airline involves a complex analysis of multiple factors. According to Geoffrey Thomas the editor-in-chief for Airline Rankings, their editors employ a comprehensive methodology. They analyze:

• Crashes in the last 5 years: The number of crashes an airline has experienced over the past five years is a crucial indicator of its safety performance. Few or no crashes demonstrate a commitment to safety.
• Serious incidents within a two-year period: While crashes are the most severe safety events, serious incidents like engine failures, emergency landings, or near-miss situations also play a role in assessing an airline’s safety.
• Inspections conducted by aviation regulatory authorities: Regulatory agencies and industry associations conduct regular audits to assess an airline’s adherence to safety standards and procedures.
• Fleet age: Older aircraft may have more wear and tear, increasing the risk of mechanical failures. A young fleet is often seen as a safety advantage.
• Assessment of pilot training: Well-trained and experienced pilots are a cornerstone of flight safety. Airlines with rigorous pilot training programs score higher in safety assessments.
• COVID protocols: In the post-pandemic world, airlines’ response to health and safety measures is also a significant consideration.

With these criteria in mind, let’s take a closer look at the Top 20 safest airlines in the world for 2023:

1. Qantas

Country: Australia
Commenced operations: November 2, 1922
Qantas achieved a remarkable safety milestone with its last fatal crash occurring back in 1951. Since that time, over 70 years have passed without any fatal accidents being recorded by the airline.

2. Air New Zealand

Country: New Zealand
Commenced operations: April 1, 1965
Air New Zealand is renowned for its commitment to safety and excellent service, making it a top choice for travelers.

3. Etihad Airways

Country: United Arab Emirates
Commenced operations: November 2003
Etihad Airways maintains a strong safety track record, providing peace of mind to passengers.

4. Qatar Airways

Country: Qatar
Commenced operations: January 20, 1994
Qatar Airways is recognized for its modern fleet and adherence to safety standards.

5. Singapore Airlines

Country: Singapore
Commenced operations: October 1, 1972
Singapore Airlines is known for its impeccable safety record and high-quality service.

6. TAP Air Portugal

Country: Portugal
Commenced operations: September 19, 1946
TAP Air Portugal has been steadily climbing the safety rankings, thanks to its rigorous safety protocols.

7. Emirates

Country: United Arab Emirates
Commenced operations: October 25, 1985
Emirates, one of the world’s largest airlines, consistently prioritizes safety, making it a popular choice for travelers.

8. Alaska Airlines

Country: United States
Commenced operations: June 6, 1944
As one of the safest airlines in the US, Alaska Airlines has a strong safety culture.

9. EVA Air

Country: Taiwan
Commenced operations: July 1, 1991
EVA Air or Evergreen Airways is known for its modern fleet and dedication to passenger safety.

10. Virgin Australia/Atlantic

Country: Australia/United Kingdom
Commenced operations: Virgin Australia August 29, 2011, and Atlantic June 22, 1984
The Virgin Group airlines Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic place a strong emphasis on safety, offering reliable travel experiences.

11. Cathay Pacific Airways

Country: Hong Kong
Commenced operations: September 24, 1946
Cathay Pacific Airways maintains an excellent safety record, assuring travelers of their well-being.

12. Hawaiian Airlines

Country: United States
Commenced operations: October 6, 1929
Hawaiian Airlines is a trusted choice for those traveling to and from Hawaii, known for its safety measures.

13. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)

Country: Sweden/Norway/Denmark
Commenced operations: August 1, 1946
SAS is recognized for its commitment to safety, serving travelers in Scandinavia and beyond.

14. United Airlines

Country: United States
Commenced operations: March 28, 1931
United Airlines is one of the largest carriers in the world, and its safety record reflects its dedication to passenger well-being.

15. Lufthansa Group airlines

Country: Germany
Commenced operations: April 1, 1955
Lufthansa Group airlines, operating under one umbrella, prioritize safety and passenger satisfaction.

16. Finnair

Country: Finland
Commenced operations: November 1, 1923
Finnair is a reliable choice for European and international travel, with a strong safety record.

17. British Airways

Country: United Kingdom
Commenced operations: August 25, 1919
British Airways has a long history of safety and provides a comfortable travel experience.

18. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Country: The Netherlands
Commenced operations: October 7, 1919
KLM’s commitment to safety and service has earned it a place among the Top 20 safest airlines.

19. American Airlines

Country: United States
Commenced operations: June 25, 1936
As a major United States carrier, American Airlines emphasizes safety to ensure passenger confidence.

20. Delta Air Lines

Country: United States
Commenced operations: June 17, 1929
Delta Air Lines rounds out the list, known for its focus on safety and customer service.

When it comes to choosing the best airline for your travels, safety should always be a top priority. The Top 20 safest airlines in the world in 2023, as ranked by Airline Rankings, have demonstrated their commitment to passenger safety through their excellent safety records, rigorous training programs, and adherence to industry standards.

Whether you’re embarking on a short domestic flight or a long-haul international journey, these airlines provide peace of mind, making your travel experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. So, if you fear flying, rest assured that these airlines have your safety at heart, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your journey rather than the fear of the flight.

Read Full Originally Published story on www.aerotime.aero

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