I didnt expect such a reaction, but is a touchy subject to a lot of flyers.

To say DOT is easier, well yes it theoretically is. Its easy on paper, its easy for airlines to implement, easy for programmers to write booking software, easy for airlines to charge extra for excess baggage. I admit, its easy. On the other hand, MSC maybe a little longer to explain on paper but if it takes a paragraph, then it takes a paragraph. The world isnt run on rules and laws that can be explained in simple sentences. MSC, if it has boundaries or limits (which it does) can just as easily be written into airlines rules and regs, booking software etc etc. The advantage of MSC is that it actually has a human element, if applied correctly, it will usually benefit the traveller, or customer. Believe it or not, travellers are customers and you would think airlines would like to keep them.

No one can argue that the longest flight or international flight will USUALLY be the MSC, in most peoples opinions. If you want to make statements like sometimes this and sometimes that, then the aviation industry should just make a blanket rule for every airline to follow. The truth is, some airlines actually do understand their customers needs and do care about providing a good service, and maintaining their loyalty by giving a good all round, honest, open service. Others airlines couldnt give a sh*t. They are ONLY about the bottom line. They make their money by deceivign customers, hoping they will make mistakes, falling in to the big money traps. They budget for this. They want me to believe im getting a good deal by telling me i can fly with 40kgs for an extra $24 instead of paying hundreds for excess baggage. But no, im $24 and $6 out of pocket, and im supposed to think im getting a good deal. It doesnt sound like much but this didnt happen 10-15 years ago. Do you think they brought this in so its easier for you to understand? Maybe thats easier for you to understand... It might not sound like much, but to a ski instructor, who lives below the poverty line and is required to travel, $24 and 6kg is important. Its not all about the money anyway, its all about the vibe. Hell, we even have to pay for selecting a seat. Personally, i cant wait to see airlines putting passengers on the scales!

You guys who are saying the DOT is easy, appropriate etc. Maybe because you fly so much business and first, you are in the routine of what you know and so used to the airlines giving you more and more. Its at the low end where things are continually changing, less here, less there, and the not so frequent flyer has to deal with, pay for and comprehend all the new policies before booking and pressing accept payment. It doesnt help at all when the deception includes the booking itself.

If you read my first post, you will see that i wanted a confirmation of changes because i have flown jetstar to qantas in the past and MSC was applied. I will accept the rules if they are given to me before i pay in an acceptable way. Not changing the details of the booking after i made it, and using the excuse that its in the fine print. Do i need to read the baggage fine print, if the details of the booking are exactly what i would like??? No.

Some of you may laugh/cringe at those people on "airways" shows that complain and most of the time, they are wrong, they are idiots and their arguments are baseless. However every so often, the airline is wrong or there is an injustice. These are the people who get shafted, criticized for 'complaining' by people like you and seen as 'just another idiot slowing down my check in desk' by the check in staff when actually they do have a good reason to present an argument. If i have a legitimate complaint, i hope someone like nux is behind me in the queue, and i wont be sorry if my big, bulky, uncontrollable ski bag 'accidentally' bangs into his shins.

After all this, i do believe im in the wrong forum for this topic. It was good to get confirmation of the exact rules, and some confirmation that a few others have had similar issues, but id say the readers here are those less likely to be flying jetstar and the like.