Columnist Muriel Stevens: Delays mar vacation planning

Wednesday, May 30, 2001 | 8:22 a.m.

Planning a vacation isn't nearly as pleasurable as it used to be.

When the friendly skies became deregulated consumers lost what little edge they had. Yes, air travel was more expensive unless trip planning was done in advance and there weren't as many flights, but there was civility and service from the cabin crew, and honesty from the check-in desk.

It's a rare thing these days for both legs of a flight to be on time. Have you noticed that it's usually the first leg that's late, so you miss the second leg? But that's the least of it. Try to get a straightforward answer when a plane is delayed. "They" know that the delay is more than the posted departure time, sometimes considerably more. They just don't want you to know.

You can't beat the airlines at their little games since they're the only game in town. How bad has the situation become? On June 20 Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, will hold a hearing on whether airlines should be required to alert passengers about chronically delayed flights or advise what passengers can expect during long delays.

One organization thinks so. Scott W. Reed, spokesman for the National Airlines Passengers Coalition (NAPC), says his group is a nonprofit organization "that seeks to protect the interests of airline passengers by persuading Congress to enact a Passengers Bill of Rights and by holding the airline industry accountable for substandard service and safety practices."

There's much more to this story. For additional information access the website, NAPConline.org or call (877) 999-0001. Or call your congressman.

Special-interest Cruises: You do have to fly to get to departure ports for a cruise, but with the ship as the hotel there's no packing and unpacking and all meals and entertainment are provided. Book early and the savings can be significant.

Reserve now for a mellow 11-day Blues Cruise aboard Cunard's celebrated liner, Queen Elizabeth 2, and secure the two-for-one rate -- as low as $1,480 per person, double occupancy; includes one-way airfare. Certain restrictions apply. Make certain you understand what they are.

Blues aficionados will enjoy the many workshops, passenger jam sessions, autograph signing with the artists, and a "Meet the Stars" program that's up close and personal.

For more info or to reserve passage call (800) 7-CUNARD or contact a travel agent.

Crystal Cruises is offering a variety of excursions for adventurous water babies with its fall 2001 Panama Canal/Caribbean and Mexican Riviera season. Experiences include: submarine expeditions, jungle-river kayaking, dolphin swims, catamaran sailing, snorkeling excursions and a bayou adventure aboard a private, canopied swamp boat.

Crystal Cruises offers its Panama Canal Value Collection fares with savings up to 50-percent off published rates on selected itineraries. Fares for a 10-day cruise start at $1,970 per person, double occupancy. Crystal Cruises' luxurious sister ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Harmony, book exclusively through professional travel agents. For a complimentary Panama Canal/Caribbean/Mexican Riviera Shore Excursion brochure and itinerary call (800) 820-6663.