Japan earthquake related AA events / flight diversions
Mar 13, 2011, 10:31 am
#76
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
It's the radiation that has me most concerned (overnighting at NRT on 3/24)
Mar 13, 2011, 11:10 am
#77
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, UA PE, SPG PLT, Hyatt DIA
Posts: 7
Quite the contrary; I myself am a Japanese-American who visits Japan annually so I know what the country is like and how they handle crises like these by being there first hand during the Great Hanshin Earthquake that struck Kobe back in the early 1990s.
Keep in mind that Tokyo was pretty much spared as the hardest hit is near the epicenter is in the Northern region of Japan, notably near Sendai. Unless your plans included visiting this region it should be okay.
And to put it straight-forwardly, it would actually help Japan by continuing to have tourists still coming in as any economical activity will contribute to generating revenue into the economy which in turn goes into helping the victims.
Japan is a self-sustaining country whose citizens are are very diligent and remain calm even after going through such a catastrophe; just like the Great Hanshin Earthquake that struck Kobe back in the early 1990s, you're not going to see looting or chaos. Rather, it may give you renewed view of Japan by visiting the country facing such a crisis to see that everyone works together helping each other out. So don't think of yourself as "just getting in the way," rather, think of ways in which you can contribute to the relief effort while you're there.
If I were in your shoes, I'd still go to Japan 2 wks from now. But at the same time I'd also bring some spare blankets, clothes and any other charitable items to donate to the local charity centers that are popping up all over Japan now. Your place of stay would gladly accept them on your behalf for donation. Visiting a Japan Red Cross center during your stay to donate some of your blood would also be of great help as well.
Keep in mind that Tokyo was pretty much spared as the hardest hit is near the epicenter is in the Northern region of Japan, notably near Sendai. Unless your plans included visiting this region it should be okay.
And to put it straight-forwardly, it would actually help Japan by continuing to have tourists still coming in as any economical activity will contribute to generating revenue into the economy which in turn goes into helping the victims.
Japan is a self-sustaining country whose citizens are are very diligent and remain calm even after going through such a catastrophe; just like the Great Hanshin Earthquake that struck Kobe back in the early 1990s, you're not going to see looting or chaos. Rather, it may give you renewed view of Japan by visiting the country facing such a crisis to see that everyone works together helping each other out. So don't think of yourself as "just getting in the way," rather, think of ways in which you can contribute to the relief effort while you're there.
If I were in your shoes, I'd still go to Japan 2 wks from now. But at the same time I'd also bring some spare blankets, clothes and any other charitable items to donate to the local charity centers that are popping up all over Japan now. Your place of stay would gladly accept them on your behalf for donation. Visiting a Japan Red Cross center during your stay to donate some of your blood would also be of great help as well.
As for Tokyo, I know it is removed geographically from the worst hit areas, but I have spoken to friends there that say people are very on edge from the continued aftershocks and the possible radiation issues. I was in Argentina during the financial crisis and Mumbai when it flooded 5 years ago due to a Typhoon and I can tell you from firsthand experience, even when you have the best intentions to help, you are largely in the way as a tourist in an area that is experiencing crisis.
All that said, my issue is only with AA's response. Think the way the reacted to the MSNBC reporter, the way they responded to my situation and others is just not the right way to handle the situation. I'm very flexible with my travel and figured they would work with a long-time EXP (or quite frankly any traveler) to alter the travel.
Finally, if the radiation thing is anywhere near the situation that one poster described...I'm not going to Tokyo under any circumstances! That said...I'll wait to learn more before over-reacting.
Mar 13, 2011, 11:34 am
#78
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AAbsolutely! I agree... Japan has much better and higher preparedness and response than most people do, and I think it would actually help if people followed through with their visiting plans. The extras would be a nice gesture, especially as AA elites are allowed more bags.
Cheers.
Mar 13, 2011, 11:44 am
#79
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All that said, my issue is only with AA's response. Think the way the reacted to the MSNBC reporter, the way they responded to my situation and others is just not the right way to handle the situation. I'm very flexible with my travel and figured they would work with a long-time EXP (or quite frankly any traveler) to alter the travel.
Mar 13, 2011, 12:47 pm
#80
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, MM
Posts: 87
Headed to NRT now from LAX, AA169, all seems normal aside from a boarding delay. Radiation fears should not be overblown, and if you are going to Tokyo and south should be relatively calm. Agree with someone's comment that this is Japan, not the US. Rolling blackouts are likely in Tokyo region though.
Mar 13, 2011, 12:50 pm
#81
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 3,267
There are a lot of comparisons floating around between Japan and Chernobyl. Such talk is utterly irresponsible--the reactors are night and day different. It's like comparing a 777 to the Hindenburg because "both are airships." To cite an example, the Chernobyl reactor design was so terribly flawed that any attempt to shut it down actually caused the reaction to *speed up!*
http://www.livescience.com/13202-jap...chernobyl.html
Mar 13, 2011, 12:57 pm
#82
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Melbourne, FL
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 263
A+ for AA
I live in FL and turned on my computer early on March 11th to learn that Japan just had a devastating eathquake.
My wife and I planned to fly March 16th to Narita and stay there overnight. We then would flying JAL to Singapore for a cruise. I immediately called the EXP desk and the agent rerouted us to SIN via PVG. We were also able to use our VIP's to PVG. We get a little less sleep, but avoid Japan and possibly contributing to their problems.
These changes were efficiently and pleasantly made.
My wife and I planned to fly March 16th to Narita and stay there overnight. We then would flying JAL to Singapore for a cruise. I immediately called the EXP desk and the agent rerouted us to SIN via PVG. We were also able to use our VIP's to PVG. We get a little less sleep, but avoid Japan and possibly contributing to their problems.
These changes were efficiently and pleasantly made.
Mar 13, 2011, 1:27 pm
#83
Suspended
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Unfortunately only time will tell how severe the nuclear threat really is. No one on flyer talk is an expert and all too often experts are wrong. I seriously doubt the Japanese government is disclosing everything, during a crisis like this much of the information is most likely censured. So to say there is no danger this early in the game is sort of irresponsible.
Japan is about the size of California and an area larger than Sacramento has been evacuated. This area in distance from Tokyo is about the same distance from Sacramento to San Jose.
Japan is about the size of California and an area larger than Sacramento has been evacuated. This area in distance from Tokyo is about the same distance from Sacramento to San Jose.
There is no danger. The reactor's containment vessel is designed to contain a full meltdown, and there won't be a full meltdown because the plant's operators succeeded in shutting down the reaction. They just need to keep the reactor cool in order to prevent further damage to the system.
There are a lot of comparisons floating around between Japan and Chernobyl. Such talk is utterly irresponsible--the reactors are night and day different. It's like comparing a 777 to the Hindenburg because "both are airships." To cite an example, the Chernobyl reactor design was so terribly flawed that any attempt to shut it down actually caused the reaction to *speed up!*
http://www.livescience.com/13202-jap...chernobyl.html
There are a lot of comparisons floating around between Japan and Chernobyl. Such talk is utterly irresponsible--the reactors are night and day different. It's like comparing a 777 to the Hindenburg because "both are airships." To cite an example, the Chernobyl reactor design was so terribly flawed that any attempt to shut it down actually caused the reaction to *speed up!*
http://www.livescience.com/13202-jap...chernobyl.html
Mar 13, 2011, 1:30 pm
#84
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
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rogodwin, it sounds like AA are finally putting some policy in place and following through properly with customers. Good for them!
OTOH, I think March 16 via NRT would have not been a significant problem - the severe seismic and tsunami activities, not to mention Fukushima reactor issues, are a significant distance north of the Kanto Plains area. The worst effects in Tokyo on the 16th will probably manifest themselves as some foodstuffs and goods shortages in shops and some restaurants, perhaps a rail line or two with repairs. There could be some fuel and smoke issues due to the Chiba refinery fire. ADDED: A number of expressways and high speed railways remain closed, and because of the powerplant issues, power is in short supply and strong power conservation measures are implemented in the Kanto area. Given current state of affairs in Japan and AA's updated policies, I would postpone my non-essential travel to Japan.
The idea we will experience four Chernobyls in Japan, etc. etc. is at this time pure hyperbole from talking heads which have emerged from darker, warmer places and are totally without any knowledge of actual conditions and geography in Japan and science, IMO. (And the containment vessels are much stronger than Chernobyl - but it looks like the Fukushima Daiichi plant with four reactors is, technically speaking, toast.)
I would definitely cancel any notions of heading to northern Honshu, especially the prefectures severely affected by seismic and tsunami activity, of course.
Off topic, but for those who are concerned sufficiently to want to contribute, one reliable organization with teams on the ground and considerable expertise is Nobel-prize winning Medicins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders. One can read - and contribute - at www.doctorswithoutborders.org.
OTOH, I think March 16 via NRT would have not been a significant problem - the severe seismic and tsunami activities, not to mention Fukushima reactor issues, are a significant distance north of the Kanto Plains area. The worst effects in Tokyo on the 16th will probably manifest themselves as some foodstuffs and goods shortages in shops and some restaurants, perhaps a rail line or two with repairs. There could be some fuel and smoke issues due to the Chiba refinery fire. ADDED: A number of expressways and high speed railways remain closed, and because of the powerplant issues, power is in short supply and strong power conservation measures are implemented in the Kanto area. Given current state of affairs in Japan and AA's updated policies, I would postpone my non-essential travel to Japan.
The idea we will experience four Chernobyls in Japan, etc. etc. is at this time pure hyperbole from talking heads which have emerged from darker, warmer places and are totally without any knowledge of actual conditions and geography in Japan and science, IMO. (And the containment vessels are much stronger than Chernobyl - but it looks like the Fukushima Daiichi plant with four reactors is, technically speaking, toast.)
I would definitely cancel any notions of heading to northern Honshu, especially the prefectures severely affected by seismic and tsunami activity, of course.
Off topic, but for those who are concerned sufficiently to want to contribute, one reliable organization with teams on the ground and considerable expertise is Nobel-prize winning Medicins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders. One can read - and contribute - at www.doctorswithoutborders.org.
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 14, 2011 at 10:03 am Reason: UPDATE
Mar 13, 2011, 2:24 pm
#85
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Obviously, everyone is hoping that there will be no further release of radioactivity and no further problems with the reactors, but I am not sure anyone removed from the situation can simply assume that all is well.
AA did allow me to rebook trips that involved NRT later this month (past the 18th) but only for flights where original inventory is available. They waived the change fees, but fare differences still applied.
Mar 13, 2011, 2:41 pm
#86
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
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Thanks for the update! It's hard for me to sometimes make out what AA actually is saying when they post "If you are traveling to/from/through Tokyo, Japan Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) on March 11-18, 2011, and your ticket was issued no later than March 11, 2011, you may begin travel as late as March 25, 2011. Original inventory required? No; the ticket reissue charge will be waived for one ticket change." (see following post)
(About the reactors, the safety systems were designed to operate with power - even the backup power was knocked out by the tsunami effects, so now they are up to pouring seawater with boron in the form of boric acid as an emergency rod coolant - in effect the reactors will most likely not be operable any time after this, and they were only licensed to their optimum life - ironically, later this month.) Reactor 3 is the one to watch...
(About the reactors, the safety systems were designed to operate with power - even the backup power was knocked out by the tsunami effects, so now they are up to pouring seawater with boron in the form of boric acid as an emergency rod coolant - in effect the reactors will most likely not be operable any time after this, and they were only licensed to their optimum life - ironically, later this month.) Reactor 3 is the one to watch...
The reactor's backup systems were also designed to maintain cooling in the event of power loss.
Obviously, everyone is hoping that there will be no further release of radioactivity and no further problems with the reactors, but I am not sure anyone removed from the situation can simply assume that all is well.
AA did allow me to rebook trips that involved NRT later this month (past the 18th) but only for flights where original inventory is available. They waived the change fees, but fare differences still applied.
Obviously, everyone is hoping that there will be no further release of radioactivity and no further problems with the reactors, but I am not sure anyone removed from the situation can simply assume that all is well.
AA did allow me to rebook trips that involved NRT later this month (past the 18th) but only for flights where original inventory is available. They waived the change fees, but fare differences still applied.
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 13, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Mar 13, 2011, 3:01 pm
#87
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Thanks for the update! It's hard for me to sometimes make out what AA actually is saying when they post "If you are traveling to/from/through Tokyo, Japan Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) on March 11-18, 2011, and your ticket was issued no later than March 11, 2011, you may begin travel as late as March 25, 2011. Original inventory required? No; the ticket reissue charge will be waived for one ticket change."
Mar 14, 2011, 7:43 am
#88
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 467
There is no danger. The reactor's containment vessel is designed to contain a full meltdown, and there won't be a full meltdown because the plant's operators succeeded in shutting down the reaction. They just need to keep the reactor cool in order to prevent further damage to the system.
There are a lot of comparisons floating around between Japan and Chernobyl. Such talk is utterly irresponsible--the reactors are night and day different. It's like comparing a 777 to the Hindenburg because "both are airships." To cite an example, the Chernobyl reactor design was so terribly flawed that any attempt to shut it down actually caused the reaction to *speed up!*
http://www.livescience.com/13202-jap...chernobyl.html
There are a lot of comparisons floating around between Japan and Chernobyl. Such talk is utterly irresponsible--the reactors are night and day different. It's like comparing a 777 to the Hindenburg because "both are airships." To cite an example, the Chernobyl reactor design was so terribly flawed that any attempt to shut it down actually caused the reaction to *speed up!*
http://www.livescience.com/13202-jap...chernobyl.html
Mar 14, 2011, 7:51 am
#89
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska 100K - MM, defender of shoes on the carpeted bulkhead 4ever, AA LT PLT, Hyatt Glob, HH Dia
Posts: 7,441
new updated info on AA site
On iPhone, can't easily link, but those who have travel past 3/18 can now reschedule flights until 5/10, BUT original inventory must be avail.
Hoping to call back today about my options. The A team was not on yesterday and was uncomfortable making any changes.
Hoping to call back today about my options. The A team was not on yesterday and was uncomfortable making any changes.
Mar 14, 2011, 8:07 am
#90
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: DL (MM), UA(MM) , AA(MM) , Bonvoy - LT Titanium
Posts: 262
Waiver Extended by AA only
Looks like waiver has been extended for planned travel until April 10 from March 18.
UA's waiver remains until Mar 18 - no change from original alert.
Delta's remains at March 20 - no change from original alert.
US State dept remains until April 1. - no change from original alert
GO FIGURE!
UA's waiver remains until Mar 18 - no change from original alert.
Delta's remains at March 20 - no change from original alert.
US State dept remains until April 1. - no change from original alert
GO FIGURE!