Anyone ever had this happen?

[Michigan_tinkerbell]

Thank you Jayhawk. I work for a Cargo operations so we have not been affected YET by the new regs. It's coming but we have a little time to get more crews

 

[txo1474]

I applaud Air Trans decision to not allow a potentially tired pilot to attempt to land a plane full of people on the short, contaminated runways at Midway.
That being said, it sounds like after the point that decision was made the Air Tran employees could have done a better job. Working in airline operations I can think of numerous reasons why they made that decision. Since ATL is a hub for Air Tran I'm guessing that played a major role in their decision. I'm also thinking we haven't heard the whole story.

Now the big question. Since your friends feel they have been wronged by Air Tran ( owned by Southwest) will they ever fly them again?
Screw me once shame on you, screw me twice shame on me!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I applaud Air Trans decision to not allow a potentially tired pilot to attempt to land a plane full of people on the short, contaminated runways at Midway. That being said, it sounds like after the point that decision was made the Air Tran employees could have done a better job. Working in airline operations I can think of numerous reasons why they made that decision. Since ATL is a hub for Air Tran I'm guessing that played a major role in their decision. I'm also thinking we haven't heard the whole story. Now the big question. Since your friends feel they have been wronged by Air Tran ( owned by Southwest) will they ever fly them again? Screw me once shame on you, screw me twice shame on me!

Based on this one strike and you are out rule I have to start walking.

 

[Shannon G]

I applaud Air Trans decision to not allow a potentially tired pilot to attempt to land a plane full of people on the short, contaminated runways at Midway.
That being said, it sounds like after the point that decision was made the Air Tran employees could have done a better job. Working in airline operations I can think of numerous reasons why they made that decision. Since ATL is a hub for Air Tran I'm guessing that played a major role in their decision. I'm also thinking we haven't heard the whole story.

Now the big question. Since your friends feel they have been wronged by Air Tran ( owned by Southwest) will they ever fly them again?
Screw me once shame on you, screw me twice shame on me!

I haven't talked to them since they got home, so I'm not sure if they ever got more explanation. From comments here about the flight rules, it sounds like there must have been some other reason for the diversion to Atlanta, and then the flight crew must have not had enough hours to take off again and complete the flight to Chicago. But it sounds like any communication of the facts from Airtran must not have been very good.

And no, they have said they will never fly Airtran again after this, though I think the more relevant question is will they fly Southwest?

 

[LilyWDW]

Based on this one strike and you are out rule I have to start walking.

I agree.

Sometimes, junk just happens and it is out of the control of the vast majority of people. If I followed the "one strike" rule in general, I wouldn't be doing too much of anything.

 

[txo1474]

Sure my one strike rule is harsh but the point I was trying to make is this. We as consumers in many cases have more than one choice when deciding what company to give our hard earned dollars. While I do believe in second chances, this situation would make me think long and hard about going that route again!
The airlines are currently making record profits ( mine included) and I think it's time they start improving their customer service. This situation screams of bending the rules and taking care of this family with small kids. If available, I would have gotten this family a room or at the very least offered a distressed passenger discounted rate. Yes I would have gotten my hand slapped but my actions would have maybe kept this family from giving their money to a different airline next time they fly.

 

[seashoreCM]

1. Go to the airline customer service counter and ask about hotels with distressed traveler rates.

2. After getting that information ask the customer service agent to put you up.

3. If/when you make a reservation directly with a hotel, ask about a distressed traveler rate.

Disney hints: http://www.cockam.com/disney.htm