An app-based service that promises to get you on the next available plane, no matter the cost, if your original flight is cancelled or has a long delay: Sounds like a plan!
Freebird lets you pay $19 upfront; if your flight is cancelled or delayed more than four hours (especially common on budget airlines), the service promises to get you on the next available flight out, even if they have to pay for first class. Many of the frequent flyer sites have reported on positive experiences by users, although we haven’t tried it out…but it’s worth a look.
The service claims that three taps on your screen will set you up to see all the available options. The service is for domestic flights only.
Of course, they’re not doing this without a business plan. Freebird’s hope is to collect lots of $19 fees ($34 for round trip) and not have to pay out, since most travelers don’t have 4-hour delays or cancellations, and many of those who do will be re-booked by their airlines. Still, if you’re flying an airline with a shaky performance record, it may be just what you need.
