8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC #9

[tom31b]

Everyone who purchased tickets prior to their airlines charging for the second bag that is being "grandfathered" in should bring proof of when they purchased their tickets with them to check in just in case. I've heard from some that they had issues until they pulled out their proof.

Most of the airlines are not grandfathering.

I would suggest you get something in writing that you are grandfathered or expect to pay.

Here is my discussion and reply with Airtran CS:

From: <tom31b@xxxxx.com>
Received: 4/12/2008 9:23:20 AM Eastern Standard Time (GMT - 4:00 )
To: <info@airtranweb.com>
Subject: Change to baggage check


------------------------------------------------------------------

COMMENTS It appears from your website that you are now charging another hidden fee, $10 for the second bag checked effected May 14, 2008. Is this for tickets purchased after that date or for flights after that date. Specifically, if we have a ticket purchased months ago for a flight in August, are we subject to this fee?

------------------------------------------------------------------

LAST NAME

--------------------------------------------------------------

FIRST NAME Thomas

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Mr. xxx,


I am sorry to learn of your disappointment with AirTran Airways, however, we thank you for allowing us the opportunity to address your concerns.

In an effort to offset rising fuel costs, AirTran Airways will implement a $10.00 one way (or $20.00 round trip) fee per passenger for the second checked bag effective May 15, 2008. Customers will not be charged for the one allowed carry on bag or the first piece of checked luggage, within restrictions. Business Class and Elite customers will be exempt from the second bag fee. Nevertheless, your comments have been forwarded to the appropriate department head for review.

We thank you for including AirTran Airways in your travel plans and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you again in the future.
Sincerely,

Susan M. Callaway
Customer Relations Department
AirTran Airways

I asked a specific question. Are you retroactively applying the fee to passage that has already been booked and paid for, or if you prefer, are you increasing the cost of my flight despite our existing contract?

Dear Mr. XXX

While I sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause, please understand that the additional baggage fee will be applied to all customers effective May 15, 2008.

Your patience and understanding regarding this matter are appreciated.
Sincerely,

Susan M. Callaway
Customer Relations Department
AirTran Airways

I think I am on their list too.....

 

[MrsScooby]

If you have it in writing, bring it with you. I was told by Airtran the exact opposite, no grandfathering of existing tickets. After xxx date, all second checked bags will be charged. But they are one of the lowest in the industry ($15??)

Yes, they are definitely lower than the others -$10 for the second bag, $50 for more than 2 per person.
Darn, I was hoping AirTran was just keeping quiet about the policy

 

[maine_jennifer]

Recital Update

After intermission the second half started and they were about 1/3 of the way through #21 a hip hop number with cool strobe lights. Wait -- those aren't cool dance strobe lights, they're fire alarm strobe lights. We had to evacuate the building and just got back in. Apparently one act had helium balloons and a couple got loose and triggered an alarm. I'll get the real scoop at dinner, my brother is a firefighter and on duty today. He works on a fireboat, so he was able to hang out int the soundbooth to see his girls, but wasn't thinking he'd have to actually work. Did I mention that we're way up in the nosebleed balcony?? So after going all the way down to ground level to pee at intermission and climbing the 5-6 flights of stairs, I had to repeat it all over again. I think after my nieces dance, I'm going to put my ear plugs in and nap. This is as tiring for this outtashape Aunt Jen as the Wii.

 

[Diznyfan68]

Most of the airlines are not grandfathering.

I would suggest you get something in writing that you are grandfathered or expect to pay.

Here is my discussion and reply with Airtran CS:









I think I am on their list too.....

Over on the transportation board there is a thread about AirTran in particular here. There is a link to an article on MSNBC.com that specifically states the DOT's position on the additional baggage fee being imposed on those who purchased their tickets prior to the announcement:

In a press conference with half a dozen handpicked bloggers last week, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters suggested that when it comes to charging extra for luggage, the government won’t tolerate any airline shenanigans. “Passengers should know what to expect, and what to pay, before they buy a ticket or pack their bags, which is why we are calling for carriers and travel agents to disclose baggage fees in their Internet and print ads before anyone purchases a ticket,” she told the group. “We also are making it clear that airlines may not impose increased fees or new restrictions for baggage after a passenger has bought a ticket.”

I have since written Delta requesting that they adhere to the DOT's ruling. If I don't get any satisfaction with them I will file a complaint with the DOT.

 

[tom31b]

Ok , I to have been wondering the same thing. I have two flights booked with AirTran. This weekend I stumbled across this article. After reading about the DOT ruling and hearing that AirTran was not following the ruling. I came across this article.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24761262/

Then I found from this article how to file a complaint. So on Sunday Morning I sent the complaint.
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/problems.htm
Go to the Airline Service Complaint Section and then go to Click here for Web Form!!


Yesterday, I received a call from a WONDERFUL women at AirTran I can provide you with her information if you get no where with filing a complaint. She went on to explain that she received my complaint that I had filed and that AirTran wants to abide by the ruling. She said she could offer me to options to make things right. 1.) Put it in my record that I am able to check in more than one bag per person without the fee. Then when I got to the airport the attendant would have to look in the file and read the notes. Problem with this she said is that if they are busy they may not look at all of the notes and insist that I still pay not realizing that both of my sets of tickets were purchased before the fees went into effect. Option Number 2.) I had to make changes to one set of tickets before hand. Costing me three hundred dollars. She offered to refund my credit card the three hundred dollars which would more than cover the cost of me having to check one or two extra peieces of luggage. Then I had a AirTran credit for a flight reduction on another flight. She offered to refund that $36.00 dollars also to my cc. So in turn she gave me a refund of $336.00 last night. So if I need to end up paying ten or twenty dollars for an extra bag I do not mind she more than took care of me last night.

Bottom line is you will get no wher calling AirTran's customer service number you need to file a complaint with the forms above. Then if you get no where I can provide you with this women's contact information. She is WONDERFUL. I commend the gov. for contacting AirTran with my comlaint and concern over AirTran not following the DOT's ruling.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

This is the key post referenced.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

This is very sad - I never heard of dry drowning
http://www.msnbc.msn.com:80/id/24982210/from/ET/

I have never heard of it either!

BTW- it really stinks that the "check previous posts" does not WORK AT ALL on disboards. It's really hard, downright impossible on this thread, to find your last post and work your way from there to "ketchup' when it won't show your last post! It's showing my last one may 11th... that is totally not right. and it also shows the previous posts all out of order instead of IN ORDER.

sigh
I have no idea what page my last post was on to even see if anyone responded to my question on my post! sigh sigh sigh

 

[Downrivermama]

Drive posting and reminder! Hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday. We were at the Kid's Expo all afternoon. DD's choir sang and I worked the choir booth. Decided to see Kung Fun Panda at the twilight cheapie show! Will ketchup later.

Orders for Wristbands Are Now Open​

and will close on Saturday, June 14th.​

Basic Information.
Wristband will be available for .55 cents each. This is based on ordering 500. We have a head count close to 400, so extra will be ordered to get to 500. Who knows we may go beyond that!

Text on the wristband will read DCL 2008 PANAMA CANAL and have a small skull & crossbones on the left side of the text. (This was the winning text in the poll)

SizesWristbands come in 3 sizes:
L = 8 inches
M = 7.5 inches
S= 7 inches
To get an idea of the size you can cut a strip of paper to the above measurements and try it around your wrist. This will give you an idea of how it will fit once on your wrist. Remember the wristband will stretch to go over the wide part of your hand, but the paper strip won’t!

Colors
Choices are Red/Black or Lime Green (For the DIS fans, sorry Todd!)
You can mix and match sizes and colors. Just state the quantity of each size and colored desired.

Delivery
If you want your order delivered before the cruise I can mail them out to you. Up to 4 wristbands can be mailed in a business size envelope for 1st class postage. ( I will have to figure out postage on larger amounts)
Or I can deliver them on the ship or DL resort area pre-cruise.

Payment
If you would like your wristbands delivered on the ship we can settle up than. If you would like them mailed to you pre-cruise a check will work.

So please go to ORDER WRISTBANDS to order yer wristbands!

If I have forgotten anything, let me know!

 

[winotracy]

Sitting in my basement right now, waiting for the storms to blow through. Tornados and straight line winds blowing through. At least I have my laptop & wireless!

 

[Downrivermama]

Sitting in my basement right now, waiting for the storms to blow through. Tornados and straight line winds blowing through. At least I have my laptop & wireless!

Please take care!

 

[ga9497]

I have never heard of it either!

BTW- it really stinks that the "check previous posts" does not WORK AT ALL on disboards. It's really hard, downright impossible on this thread, to find your last post and work your way from there to "ketchup' when it won't show your last post! It's showing my last one may 11th... that is totally not right. and it also shows the previous posts all out of order instead of IN ORDER.

sigh
I have no idea what page my last post was on to even see if anyone responded to my question on my post! sigh sigh sigh

If you click on your own name and then click on the link "Find all threads started by BibbidyBobbidyBoo" you should be able to bring up all of your posts. Just click on the one you are most interested in and go from there

http://www.disboards.com/member.php?find=lastposter&t=1849274

 

[Diznyfan68]

I have never heard of it either!

BTW- it really stinks that the "check previous posts" does not WORK AT ALL on disboards. It's really hard, downright impossible on this thread, to find your last post and work your way from there to "ketchup' when it won't show your last post! It's showing my last one may 11th... that is totally not right. and it also shows the previous posts all out of order instead of IN ORDER.

sigh
I have no idea what page my last post was on to even see if anyone responded to my question on my post! sigh sigh sigh

If you open the thread in question and click on the "View First Unread" at the very top of the first post it will take you to first unread post since the last time you signed on to the DIS.

 

[Diznyfan68]

Sitting in my basement right now, waiting for the storms to blow through. Tornados and straight line winds blowing through. At least I have my laptop & wireless!

Stay safe!

 

[maine_jennifer]

Sitting in my basement right now, waiting for the storms to blow through. Tornados and straight line winds blowing through. At least I have my laptop & wireless!

Isn't wireless great! Love my smartphone for the same reason. Have been able to DIS and Facebook my way through this recital. Up to #33 just 7 more to go! Woo Hoo! Only missing one thing - a flask. lol

Stay safe!

 

[ga9497]

For any Patrick Dempsey fans - wonder what he thinks now when he sees himself

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eamhSW47S4

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I have a question to everybody, or at least those that are online now. LOL

The t-**** orders....is everyone buying them for the ENTIRE family or group, or just for the adults in your party??
I am trying to decide to order the embarkation t-shirts for my whole family, or just for Jared and I. Is anyone buying the embarkation shirts for the kids?

Orders for Wristbands Are Now Open​

and will close on Saturday, June 14th.​

Basic Information.
Wristband will be available for .55 cents each. This is based on ordering 500. We have a head count close to 400, so extra will be ordered to get to 500. Who knows we may go beyond that!

Text on the wristband will read DCL 2008 PANAMA CANAL and have a small skull & crossbones on the left side of the text. (This was the winning text in the poll)

SizesWristbands come in 3 sizes:
L = 8 inches
M = 7.5 inches
S= 7 inches
To get an idea of the size you can cut a strip of paper to the above measurements and try it around your wrist. This will give you an idea of how it will fit once on your wrist. Remember the wristband will stretch to go over the wide part of your hand, but the paper strip won’t!

Colors
Choices are Red/Black or Lime Green (For the DIS fans, sorry Todd!)
You can mix and match sizes and colors. Just state the quantity of each size and colored desired.

Delivery
If you want your order delivered before the cruise I can mail them out to you. Up to 4 wristbands can be mailed in a business size envelope for 1st class postage. ( I will have to figure out postage on larger amounts)
Or I can deliver them on the ship or DL resort area pre-cruise.

Payment
If you would like your wristbands delivered on the ship we can settle up than. If you would like them mailed to you pre-cruise a check will work.

So please go to ORDER WRISTBANDS to order yer wristbands!

If I have forgotten anything, let me know!

quoting this so I can remember to go order........

If you open the thread in question and click on the "View First Unread" at the very top of the first post it will take you to first unread post since the last time you signed on to the DIS.

well thank you! They used to have the little arrows thing on the thread listings before you went to the thread but that's gone now. I found that invaluable for keeping up with this thread and missed it greatly! I had no idea this option was there. I feel stupid now. LOL I wonder if it will help me find my last post though now that I've posted again? I'll try it.

 

[pdarrah]

Most of the airlines are not grandfathering.

I would suggest you get something in writing that you are grandfathered or expect to pay.

Here is my discussion and reply with Airtran CS:
I think I am on their list too.....

Hi Tom,

I think I must have been lucky when I emailed! Here is teh relevant text from the reply sent to me:

I am sorry to learn of your disappointment with AirTran Airways, however, we thank you for allowing us the opportunity to address your concerns.

In an effort to offset rising fuel costs, AirTran Airways will implement a $10.00 one way (or $20.00 round trip) fee per passenger for the second checked bag effective May 15, 2008. Customers will not be charged for the one allowed carry on bag or the first piece of checked luggage, within restrictions. Business Class and Elite customers will be exempt from the second bag fee. Nevertheless, your comments have been forwarded to the appropriate department head for review.

As a courtesy, I have documented your reservation to not charge the 2nd baggage for each passenger. Should our agents not have the ability to override the charge, please contact me via this e-mail after your travel is complete and I will process a reimbursement.

Should you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us again. We thank you for including AirTran Airways in your travel plans and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you again in the future.

Yes, I WILL be printing email and bringing it on the trip.

Pamela

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

I too have been sweating this whole baggage issue. We bought our tickets back in October '07. When AA came out with their new charges for baggage it was very confusing. There was the bought before date and also exceptions, but the exception was full-fare economy. We got the cheapest flights available so I have been concerned. Today with all of this talk of baggage, I once again checked the AA site. They have redone the baggage help section and I THINK that I am home free on the 2nd bag. Here is what the exceptions state.

The following customers will not be charged a service fee to check a bag provided the bag is within the weight allowance:

• For the first checked bag, customers who buy a ticket before June 15, 2008, or who fly before June 15, 2008
• For the second checked bag, customers who purchased a ticket before May 12, 2008
• Customers originating travel in the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Canada and traveling to an international destination beyond the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Canada
• Customers originating travel outside the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Canada and traveling to an international destination
• Customers who purchase full-fare tickets in Economy Class
• Customers who purchase Business or First Class tickets
• Customers flying on AA codeshare flights not operated by American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection®
• Customers traveling on government or military fares
• Military passengers on active duty
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum® or AAdvantage Gold® members
• oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members
• Customers flying on the same reservation as an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum or AAdvantage Gold member or oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby member regardless of frequent flier status or fare type (not applicable to group bookings)
• AAnytime® Economy Class AAdvantage award tickets, MileSAAver(SM) or AAnytime First and Business Class AAdvantage award tickets
• First and Business Class upgrades confirmed prior to check in
• AAirpass travel

The first two exceptions appear to be the ones applicable to us. Hope this helps for anyone else flighting AA.

 

[Stepht5]

Recital Update

After intermission the second half started and they were about 1/3 of the way through #21 a hip hop number with cool strobe lights. Wait -- those aren't cool dance strobe lights, they're fire alarm strobe lights. We had to evacuate the building and just got back in. Apparently one act had helium balloons and a couple got loose and triggered an alarm. I'll get the real scoop at dinner, my brother is a firefighter and on duty today. He works on a fireboat, so he was able to hang out int the soundbooth to see his girls, but wasn't thinking he'd have to actually work. Did I mention that we're way up in the nosebleed balcony?? So after going all the way down to ground level to pee at intermission and climbing the 5-6 flights of stairs, I had to repeat it all over again. I think after my nieces dance, I'm going to put my ear plugs in and nap. This is as tiring for this outtashape Aunt Jen as the Wii.

You are a much better Aunt then me..... I would have left!

Isn't wireless great! Love my smartphone for the same reason. Have been able to DIS and Facebook my way through this recital. Up to #33 just 7 more to go! Woo Hoo! Only missing one thing - a flask. lol
Stay safe!

 

[danfromca]

Well, I'm Wiially tired right now and I didn't even make it to chat last night. After all the Wii Fit talk on here, I went out and got a Wii and Wii Fit. Was supposed to arrive on Wednesday night, but I was at my niece's choir recital. Then had to go visit them on Thurs because I can't remember why, just because. So Ijust set the Wii up last night and was up till 11pm playing. I can see myself getting addicted to it! Was realy impressed by the system and the games/activites. A teeny bit sore today though I guess that's a good thing.

So I am DISing through my nieces dance recital right now. It started a 1pm and there are 40 performances. My nieces are #25 and we're only on #16. It's going to be a long afternoon!!

Wii Fit update. Well our Wii Fit arrived Weds and its addictive - worse that Wii Sports. For some strange reason it thinks my Wii Age is either 37 or 40 (either of which I'll take as I slide further from 40 and closer to 50).

Back to magnet making.....

Andy

I've had a Wii fit since it came out. I'm hoping (praying) that it will keep me interested enough to consistently work out. I confess to being very lazy on that score.

 

[PBader]

Hey everyone, Hope you are having a great weekend.
Happy birthday to Cherie and John