I TRAVELLED to the Philippines with my wife on Philippine Airlines in early August. I faxed my reconfirmation of flights from Hong Kong for both legs of the flight, and duly received a faxed confirmation. We arrived in the Philippines without problem, and spent our time diving at a remote resort which does not even have a telephone. On arrival at the airport for our return journey we were told we had not reconfirmed and would therefore have to join the waiting list for the next flight. She said reconfirmation was necessary 72 hours prior to the flight, otherwise it was possible to be 'bumped off the flight'. My faxed confirmation from Hong Kong was not sufficient. After long and fruitless protestations, we eventually had to join the waiting list and managed to arrive at work in Hong Kong the next day. What I cannot understand is how is it that even when I have paid in full for a ticket, there is doubt about whether I will fly or not? I have paid my money, I shall fly. This is my re-confirmation. I should only have to contact the airline when I cannot fly. I have heard many of the arguments about why such a system operates and have yet to be convinced that it is the best. The easiest solution is to demand a non-refundable deposit for each seat booked. This would discourage many travellers from multiple bookings. ALEX URE New Territories
