I really dislike dealing with the airlines

[CBoysMomLovesDisney]

Just booked our first trip to WDW May 12th - May 19th. I had to use our frequent flyer miles for 3 of the tickets and purchase the 4th. I think the purchase price was high $290.00, I didin't want to wait to book closer to the dates, just in case there were no good dates and times available. As it is we are going a week later than what I really wanted. Book tickets with United. Had to deal with a few customer service people (all from another country) hard to understand and not very helpful. I was planning to use a coupon from the "entertainment book 2006". Well, you can't use the coupon when booking on-line so you have to speak to an agent. Which then charges you $10.00 extra to take that reservation......

I am glad thats over - now for the fun stuff.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I know how you feel! I don't want to name the airline until I get back @@ but when I tried to buy a ticket online using my debit card, the airline's site wouldn't let me. I called the tech help number; they said to try again the next day, there was a problem with the system.
I tried the next day, same result. Call again. Apparently, there are three banks in the country which choose not to participate in this airline's online debit card approval program. Those banks' customers can either use a different debit card, a credit card or the telephone. My bank, by the way, says it's an airline issue, that the bank has NO problem...
Anyway, so the money's in this account and my only choice is to purchase through a person on the phone. Much ranting and raving later, they agreed JUST THIS ONCE to waive the $5 fee.
I don't object to the fee, but if it's the airline's choice to use an approval system that some banks won't participate in (read: pay to be part of) I don't see why the PASSENGERS should be penalized.

 

[seashoreCM]

If the person on the phone does not seem to understand you, repeat what you said until you feel the other person finally does understand you. You have won the game if the person on the other end asks for his supervisor for help before you ask for his supervisor.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

What if you use your debit card but say it is a credit card? (Try this only with a card that has the Mastercard or Visa label.)

Stores can tell the difference but often the clerk doesn't pay attention and puts the transaction through as if it were a credit card transaction. Credit card transactions do not involve your PIN. Debit card transactions often do.

I don't think it is a good idea to give your PIN over the phone. If this detail prevents the transaction from going through, better to use a different method, paying the ten dollars more per ticket if needed.

 

[deltachi8]

I have had the problem booking airline tickets with my debit card (Mastercard branded) before with two different airlines. It would not accept them, but could book them through Expedia (same airlines & flights & price). Wierd, I know.