Beyond *RUDE* Delta Customer Service

[safetymom]

bavaria, thank you for your posts. I am also a frequent flyer and try to help out here when I can. I have moved for some people but I have refused for some people. I have taken some heat when I refused from several people and have had people I switched with not even say thank you. It isn't anyones right to bully their way into my seat.

 

[safetymom]

DaveO, I disagree with your theory. If the economy goes bad consumers will buy the cheapest fare they can find. They will hope they don't need customer service.

 

[bavaria]

What will it take for airlines to wake up. To all the defenders and 'it is your fault for not checking 8X a day your seat' people .... You are correct the letter of the contract does say they only have to get you to point B.

But when will they realize this is WHY THEY ARE BANKRUPT and in Chapter 11. It is customer service. Why has SWA always made a profit .... beacause they have a loyal following due to low fares and great customer service. Why is Jet Blue successfull ... same thing.

Yes the airline will start making profits again but once we hit another down turn in the economy the limited travelers will choose the airlines with good customer service.

I beg to differ. Look at the United model - they managed to successfully emerge from chapter 11 last year by raising fares and focussing on the business traveller. Last week I pointed that out here (that United caters to business travellers) and a poster was very upset with that response. It's a fact, not a barb at leisure travellers.

And I have flown about 80,000 miles YTD on United, with no customer service issues. In fact, I would use them as a model of how to treat customers. Granted, I do get certain treatment as an elite flyer, but I appreciate that they respect my loyalty.

In fact, this week I am driving 3 hours out of my way so that I can fly United and avoid Delta - that is the kind of loyalty airlines are trying to gather, and United has done that very successfully for a large number of business travellers.

 

[bavaria]

bavaria, thank you for your posts. I am also a frequent flyer and try to help out here when I can.

And safetymom, you and I both post on flyertalk.com with the other frequent travellers - we could spend all of our time there, but both of us come here to share knowledge with those who aren't as experienced. I think of it as a public service, but after awhile even volunteer work can become too much of a grind.

 

[safetymom]

I agree with you. When I first started flying a lot I found Flyer Talk. After reading the posts I learned what to do when traveling. It sure saved me a lot of grief.

Sometimes it is hard to read that our experience is not appreciated.

 

[goofy4tink]

DaveO, I disagree with your theory. If the economy goes bad consumers will buy the cheapest fare they can find. They will hope they don't need customer service.

Absolutely true. Even if you check out the SW threads, you are going to see posts from people that are upset about the seating arrangements there also. Basically, this is the situation....we want to pay $150, at most, to fly to Orlando (for instance). We want to choose our seats and we want no deviating from the original plan. We want to get to the gate, drinks in hand, and be able to board within about 20 minutes of getting to the gate. Then, we want immediate food/beverage service on the flight, as well as blankets/pillows. And lest we forget, we want to be able to carry that bag onboard with us with all the stuff we may need for a weeks' vacation in WDW!!!

Okay, perhaps a bit out there!!! But, I have a feeling it's not too far from the truth. When I book at the 331 day I know that my flight is going to change, many times. Heck, the first time my dh and dd flew with JB, their flight was changed the day of travel, and the same flight the day before was cancelled!! Stuff happens. Perhaps it's time for all the airlines to not assign seats when flights are booked. Then, they could board the same as SW does....first come, first served. Perhaps they should all wait until about 5-6 months out before opening that booking window. That would level the playing field a lot. Obviously SW is doing something right, but is it something that everyone wants to do on all airlines?

We have been spoiled by the low fares. It used to be that if I found a fare from Boston to Orlando for less than $250 I was thrilled. Now, not so much. It has to be under $100 to get my attention. Too bad for me...those fares are going the way of the dinosaur!!!

 

[jodifla]

And safetymom, you and I both post on flyertalk.com with the other frequent travellers - we could spend all of our time there, but both of us come here to share knowledge with those who aren't as experienced. I think of it as a public service, but after awhile even volunteer work can become too much of a grind.

Oh my.

 

[snowwite]

You also live in a free society, and you have a right not to patronize an airline if you don't like them. What in your opinion makes an airline greedy or not greedy?

Oh I dont know I guess the unreasonably high cost per person to fly coupled with the lack of consequences for them when the airlines make changes and the overall perception that they have me over a barrell unless I want to be stuck at home all year.I dont patronize ones I dont like. Most of my posts here were not about me anyway. I was trying to stand up for the OP and others that I felt were being walked on by a very caustic mean diser.

 

[goofy4tink]

I agree with you. When I first started flying a lot I found Flyer Talk. After reading the posts I learned what to do when traveling. It sure saved me a lot of grief.

Sometimes it is hard to read that our experience is not appreciated.

Hey, not so fast now, you two!!! There are a lot of us who truly do appreciate your feedback. I'm more than happy to benefit from your experiences.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Why are you being so mean to other posters? You say you are defending people who cant defend themselves? Who the greedy airlines. Please.Give me a break. People like us get screwed over every day and if someone wants to come here and talk about it and get a little support because believe me we know we habe NO rights w/airlines then why do you begrudge them that? You have made some rather inflammatory comments meant to upset people. I cannot even say here on a family board what I would like to say to you.No, that is not right either. You are just SO NOT WORTH IT !
Maybe Delta has a board. I am sure thay would welcome you with open arms.

Apparently I am, you said all you needed to in the IM to me.
I am not mean, I am stating facts. I have no problem with people coming here to vent, talk, scream, rant or rave about their experiences, but, in the converse, they will probably not get hugs, pixie dust and all that they want.
I am not the only one defending the airlines or trying to explain how things work. I am just a bit less diplomatic in what I say. You cannot be "screwed" by anyone if you keep your guard up and take responsibility for yourselves.
I stopped flying Delta because of their rules,corporate changes and etc. It never affected me in the least, however, the fact that could have is what made me switch to SWA.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Do you think that statement you made was FAIR?

Yes, I do.

 

[goofy4tink]

Alrighty then....this is no longer informative or even helpful. It is disintegrating into personal attacks and is getting downright inflamatory. Stick a fork in it...it's done!!