Originally Posted by
eng3
There is always the possibility that no one will take the VDB offer. There will always be the possibility for unusual circumstances (this case). That is why DOT allows for IDB. Not allowing crews to get where they need to go would cause delays and cancellations affecting hundreds of people. Not capping the VDB offers would just allow people the abuse the system. Both cases driving up fares. They could just fly all the planes at 50% capacity from now on and double all the fares. That would alleviate the situation but then people will complain about fares.
The IDB system now is fine. If the system changes at all, it still will not make any difference. All this assumes people behave rationally. It wont stop a DYKWIA from decided it is more important for him to cause a scene and potentially delay hundred of people than follow a written procedure that have existed for years.
I completely disagree. The current system is not "fine" and I don't mean in this extreme case. Customers should not be subject to IDBs except in extreme cases. People are forgetting that an extra $800 in funny money would have apparently solved this problem. People always have a price, on some of their travels. On other travels people can't afford the disruption. The airlines should let the customer decide by paying for volunteers.