Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel
"For those who managed to get seats with frequent flier miles, good for you. Here is my story, I asked for particular days, sorry, then I went out into the NEXT YEAR. YES, the next year, past 365 days. Sorry -- so Continental's program sucks as the saying goes." [Pam L.]
"May I suggest your recent concern about reward programs on 'fee vs. free' on SmarterTravel misses a key point: these programs were shell-games from the get-go.
"You well know FF programs are revenue generators for the airlines disguised as a bonus to customers. A slick deal, with emphasis on slick. This was true and worked when jet fuel was based on $10/barrel oil. Economics and the real-world (whatever that is) caught up to where we are today.
"Younger-than-me frequent travelers need a course in Economics 101: nothing is ever free. So does airline management. How much would you guess is paid on airline administration staff to deal with the current economic environment? $2 round-trip fares aren't the answer and are just short of insane if not the ultimate sham.
"A truly free society needs a few major airlines and banks to fail. Then, maybe, we can get down to real business. And stop pointing our finger at other countries we don't like, as well." [Ed N.]
"I had a travel schedule that put me on four US Air flights this week, and on each one, the flight attendant announced the charges for drinks.
"Curious about that, I asked the flight attendant on each flight how many drinks she sold, and was told on three of those flights, she sold none, and on another she sold two drinks.
"Doesn't look like a money maker to me." [Keith B. - Scarsdale, NY]
"I received an e-mail from Jet Blue to pay for a credit card for AMEX and receive enough points for a one way trip plus 25 points after three purchases.
"After I signed on, I called Jet Blue and Amex to confirm the rewards offered. Both told me I would receive a certificate in several weeks after the initial requirements (as above). I then received a statement when all was done which had nothing about the free certificate. When I called Jet Blue, they told me I had signed the wrong offer! Apparently they ran two offers concurrently and dropped the one I wanted although so far as I knew it was in progress. They said the reps didn't check to see if my queries about being in the correct program were valid!!! I could have rescinded my AMEX card request if the truth had been told to me.
"I flew for the first time on that airline and liked it. Too bad none of them can be trusted as customer friendly." [D.S.]
"Quite right Southwest did very well for Michelle [as noted in a previous newsletter]. Contrast Continental 7/23 Newark weather where the UK flight arrived early at 13.15 and then weather worsened resulting in my arriving in Lexington KY 20 hrs late the following day. I got a $12 voucher for food and that was it. I could have maybe got a hotel voucher but at the time when I realised the flight promised was NOT going to happen it was past midnight -- and I do not like Newark hotels at the best of times.
"And how about the mess they have made by moving all CO express flight to Terminal A? Thank God I did not have to sleep there." [Roger D.]
"We traveled to Orlando from Portland, OR in June, getting tickets online through Alaska. We were booked on Delta on the outbound flight, and Alaska on return. We purchased first class tickets, left at 6 AM from PDX with a stop in Salt Lake City. NOTHING was offered on the first leg of trip, and from SLC to Orlando, were given a choice of a turkey chipotle sandwich. When we asked for another choice, we were told "That's it!" They added that I could purchase something from what they were selling in coach! Since it was a long flight, I had no alternative, and opted for a $6.00 fruit plate.
"Our return trip on Alaska was everything a first class fare should be, just as on prior first class flights. I wrote a letter to Delta explaining our disappointment, and requested some kind of compensation, i.e. the difference between first class and coach fare for that portion of the trip. We paid for first class, and received 'coach.' Two letters and a phone call later produced no results, and they absolutely refuse to do anything for us. I would never recommend purchasing first class tickets on Delta, and wish I had legal recourse. If anyone has a suggestion to further action, I would appreciate the info." [Ray and Myrl]
"Why in the world would these airlines impose the ridiculous fees when all they have to do is add to the cost of the fare just as they have with fuel? When we look up the cost of a flight online, we have no idea what we are going to first see. So if we see a fare of $400, would we really care that the actual fare was only $350 but it included other fees? I doubt it. Do these airlines have any concern about perception of themselves. Obviously not. I guess that only Southwest really understands.
"I think that maybe the airlines need to stop utilizing their airport customer service as punching bags. They have enough trouble having to deal with us unhappy travelers for delay issues." [Jeff D.]
"In response to yzard's inquiry about which airline's miles he should apply his 'gift' to -- I suggest United. I've been very successful getting flights with my Mileage Plus miles for itineraries on US Airways, their partner airline. In addition, you can use your miles for a ticket for a companion w/o charge." [Myra]
"It is time to reward the great service the Delta crew gave my return flight from Venice, Italy in May. Better late than never to thank them.
"I had cashed in all my ff miles and sold what ever I could to spend 3 months in Italy as part of a lifetime wish to 'live Italian.' I had to return early because of a problem that developed with ligaments in my feet. The crew knew I had trouble walking (before I got there) and asked if I would need help when I landed in Atlanta.
"The entire trip was delightful. Yes I know the first class seats are more comfortable and my seat mate ran off to another empty row and left me to spread out.
"Often on business flights I am ignored even if I am in F. class. Not the case here. Almost every hlaf hour I was asked if I needed anything. The flight was smooth and arrived early.
"I look forward to my next trip with Delta. Saving FF miles for 10 years has paid off. Business travelers have so many more advantages." [Lee L. - Atlanta, GA]
Until next week...
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