Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel
"I just got my statement for my frequent flier miles for United Airlines and they had removed all my mileage points (about 20,000) . I had no prior warning and had thought that they were good for about another year. The notification was probably buried in some small type sent out some time age. Short of buying back my miles at about $300 do any of you folks out there know what I might do? I have already sent off a letter expressing my disapproval." [Robert L.]
[FrequentFlier.com replies - Assuming the miles expired according to the airline's published policy, rather than an administrative error on United's part, all you can do is throw yourself on the airline's mercy and beg them to reinstate the miles without charging you a usurious fee to do so.]
"Roger asks [in a previous newsletter] why airlines don't require disabled passengers to sit in certain locations on aircraft (among other suggestions which he asserts would speed boarding).
"Airlines don't do that because it would be illegal. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) requires airlines to provide certain services to the disabled but also prohibits airlines from discriminating against them. With limited exceptions, such as for emergency exit rows, airlines cannot dictate where disabled passengers may sit, or otherwise impose special conditions on their travel.
"I can only assume that Roger is lucky enough not to have a disability, or any friends or relatives that have one. His suggestion wouldn't create goodwill in the eyes of anyone that does - and contrary to his apparent belief, stigmatizing the disabled isn't 'common sense.'" [Jol S.]
"Watching the people with elite status going through a special line and receiving special treatment from the TSA burns me up. I waited in Pittsburgh with my wife while the elite line was empty and the Transport Authority people stood around doing nothing. I am not against early boarding for elite members, special perks or easier access to upgrades or amenities on the flights for them, but that is an internal matter between the airline and the passenger.
"Security, on the other hand, is a government requirement which is designed to be applied equally on all air travelers and crew. I have heard words like socialism bandied about for those of us who think that the 14th Amendment is still in operation: Equality before the law and due process for all. When the resources of the TSA are taken and put on the inspection lines that are not in constant operation, that it is not equal application of the law. The one bright spot was that occasionally some people were allowed to go through the priority line when the inspectors tired of doing nothing. I do not mind waiting to be check with the others in line, but definitely think that when it comes to government functions, we should all be in the same boat, $3000 suits and $50 Steelers sweatshirts alike." [Aryeh B.]
"In response to the brother whose sister had reacted to a cat in first class:
"I know that the cat pet owner was sincerely sorry that your sister had the sneezing, etc. reactions to the cat, which by airline rules for a traveling pet, must be kept under the seat in front of the owner for the entire trip. Perhaps your sister should check about the presence of a pet on board before she books another flight. Airlines allow only 1 pet in first class where your sister and the pet and owner were. Only 1-2 pets are allowed by the airlines in the cabin.
"Pet owners love their pets as members of their family and are extremely appreciative that the airlines allow the pets to travel with them. Mine is a lovable little 12 lb. toy poodle. He is solid black and his name is George.
"The only thing my letter asked for was that airlines allow owners to use their frequent flier miles to 'pay' for their pets instead of charging $100-150 each way! That's $300 round trip in cash, check or credit card at the airport!
"BUT, your sister needs help. I am a pharmacist and all prescribing doctors and I have counseled many, many allergy patients to always carry their effective antihistamines personally with them, especially on trips. She obviously had not used hers. So you had better call your sister and help her prevent future reactions since she could easily react to hundreds of other allergens." [Charlotte T.]
"Are you aware of the fact that Delta has abolished Award tickets in First Class for international travel? As far as I can tell, they did so with no notification of any sort. This amounts to retroactive measures which I think are illegal, but no one ever takes the airlines to task for this sort of thing. It amounts to breach of contract. Yes, the airlines declare that they can make changes anytime they choose, but that should apply to future accumulation of miles, not to those already accredited. This should be the subject of a class action suit, but no one seems to think in those terms. Why not?
"At any rate, in the present and personal case, I saved up all kinds of miles (I have over 600,000) for the express purpose of using them to fly long haul trips to Asia in First Class. All of a sudden, Delta, via its partners (Delta itself has no idea what First Class means), no longer offers First Class awards, only Business (which I assure you is not the same) -- except on, so far, Singapore and China Airlines -- and, from what I can tell, the mileage required for these new Business Class tickets can be double or more what was required previously for First Class! This wonderful system applies to Korean Air, Air France and the rest of the members of SkyMile's alliance.
"If you have already covered this, I would be grateful if I could see your conclusions; if you have not, I hope you will deal with it in the very near future." [Nancy E.]
Until next week...
|
