Originally Posted by themicah
I believe NW has a big link to the CoC right before you hit "purchase." Don't know about other airlines. Most airlines also have signs at the ticket counters reminding you that your ticket is governed by the CoC--although that is a bit pointless now that so many people use self-service checkin methods.
Agreed. Many airlines' websites and other online travel agencies require you to click that you have read and agree to all terms/conditions of the fare (including the CoC), and evidently most people simply check the box. For example, Alaska has a check box and you have to " agree to the fare rules of this itinerary. "
Additionally, all departure gates, self-service check-in areas, and regular check-in areas are required to have copies of the contract of carriage available for inspection; they are also required to have signs stating this.
Furthermore, most ticket jackets (I don't know if this is the case now) have a clause stating airlines' limited liability. I don't know how many times I have seen a statement similar to "If you would like more information about our policies, ask an agent".
Thus, there are 4 ways for the passenger to become aware of the contract of carriage and fare rules: at time of purchase, at check-in, on your ticket jacket, and at the gate.
If one really wants to view the Contract of Carriage, it is easily available on the airlines' websites, as
themicah pointed out. Many airlines will also mail you a complimentary copy upon request.
I maintain that it is the passenger's responsibility to inform him or herself of the contract he or she is entering into before purchasing a ticket. Although we can't agree to secret regulations (like the TSA), the CoCs are published and easily available.
red456, I'm afraid I do not understand your argument or previous statements. The clause I found about security in UA's CoC was not "buried." In fact, I used the handy search feature in Acrobat Reader and found the appropriate section in well under 15 seconds. Could you explain to me what would constitute "not buried" for you?
Also, you state that the telephone agents will not "volunteer" information over to you regarding CoC and policies. Has it occurred to you to actually
ask the agent about their policies regarding the subject you're interested in? I have done that many times and they have been extremely helpful and polite. The average customer, however, does not want to hear about the many reasons one could be refused transport every time they call the airline.
Adam