Tobago House of Assembly officials and representatives from Caribbean Airlines met this to discuss the recent announcement of an introduction of a change fee of TT$50 and other issues pertaining to the air bridge.
Following the discussions, Caribbean Airlines gave the following assurances with respect to the TT$ 50.00 (one-way) Change Fee policy:
Passengers seeking same day or emergency travel with Caribbean Airlines between Trinidad and Tobago and who are not in possession of a ticket or reservation can go to the airport and place his/ her name on the stand by list for that day. Once a seat can be assured by Caribbean Airlines for the passenger, payment will be taken by the airline from the passenger to purchase a ticket without charge.
Caribbean Airlines has maintained that the sale of open tickets ceased as of November 29, 2017 and the new changes will be implemented effective December 12, 2017.
The airline confirmed that new operational procedures will be in place to treat with the changes including the extension of the opening hours of their Airport Ticket Offices to accommodate first and last flights and separate check-in counters for stand by passengers.
Additionally, if Caribbean Airlines is responsible for a passenger’s change of travel due to delay or cancellation of a flight, the passenger will be allowed to make a new reservation and no change fee will be charged.
Both the THA and Caribbean Airlines have agreed to set up a joint committee to monitor the efficiency of the new changes for review at a later date.
Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles also indicated to Caribbean Airlines that passengers who exercise the courtesy of giving prior notice of change to their travel date should be rewarded. The airline has committed to giving the suggestion reasonable consideration.
A document with all updates and amendments will be shared with the public by December 12, 2017. The Chief Secretary thanked the Caribbean Airlines team for attending the meeting and all parties agreed to ensure that proper and deliberate communication is maintained going forward.
