So fed up with air flight right now...

[Claudia1]

I'm sooooo tired of schedule changes and changing prices. There used to be some logical reasoning but it seems to be gone now. Yes, I know I bought the ticket and paid the price, but I would like to get what I paid for and/or receive the benefits of being a good customer.

All this is about our family Spring Break. 17 yr old DS is going to California to visit his best friend and the rest of us are going to WDW. I worked very hard to get non-stop flights for DS that leave & return close to the times of our flights. I did all of this in October & early November, when the good fares came out and all was right in the universe.

Issue #1: I have DS on Northwest. Last week, his return non-stop flight was dropped and they put him on a 1-stop flight. After research, I discovered that NWA/Delta/Midwest had the one and only non-stop flight, which is a red-eye that does not work for us. We are not comfortable with him going thru a strange airport by himself, especially since we will be traveling ourselves and will not be available by phone for problems. I very politely asked customer service to waive the $100 unaccompanied minor fee since the schedule change was not my fault and I got a 7 paragraph letter telling me "no". So, I will end up paying an extra $100 to be sure my DS gets on the right plane home. (Yes, I know is will be 17 but he is still a minor and he is very uncomfortable going solo in an unfamiliar airport, so no flames, please.)

Issue #2: I checked our itinerary on Airtran to see if we could make any changes for the rest of the family to help issue #1 (maybe going thru the same stop) and I found that the previously high priced non-stop flight that we originally wanted is now available at an awesome rate. We have non-stop going down but settled for a 1-stop returning home for the price. HUH?!?!?!?! Since when did Spring Break flights go down in January????? [Yes, I know I paid for them and was OK with the purchase when I made it. My choice.] I had no idea that I could wait until January to get non-stop round trip from Indy for under $300. The same flights in November & December were over $360. We will have 5 going. 3 adults, a 7 yr, a 2 yr, and a 4-month old, so a non-stop would be awesome. To change it would be another $568, so I did not do it.

Issue#3: DGS will turn 2 during our vacation. We would have liked to make him a lap child for the flight down (it is a late flight and he will be sleeping) but online reservations would not let me do it. When I called customer service, they said I could change it after booking and to book it online to save the $15/person/ticket telephone reservation fee. When I called them to make the adjustment, I was told I would have to cancel both of his flights, with a cancel fee of $75 per flight and rebook him on a separate ressie. So, I did not change his ressie. I understand they have specific policies BUT it was not what I was told.

I just felt the need to vent. I accept the change in price for our Florida flight and know I can't do anything about that. I am still peeved that airlines can drop a flight and leave me to pay more because of it. I have flown for decades and am a good customer. I follow the rules and do all I can to make good choices, including shopping early. I'm not trying to get something for nothing or extra perks for no reason.

I am hoping that Airtran changes our flight so I can snag that non-stop as a viable substitution.

One can only hope.......

 

[prncess674]

Your "child" is 17. He isn't 7. I don't even think you can pay a UM fee for a 17 yr old. Consider that he will be off to college in a year, I would think that transiting an airport is something a 17 year old can handle. Are you going to walk him to school on campus? Arm him a cell phone and the numbers of a trusted relative if you won't be right by the phone.

 

[clkelley]

I understand your frustration.

Even though the PP is correct in some situations, if someone is not used to flying or going through airports, no matter what their age, it can be a tricky situation.

 

[HeatherC]

I agree...flying is just not fun anymore. Unfortunately, it is sometimes a necessary evil to get somewhere.

 

[dburg30]

I think it would have a lot to do with what airport they would be switching in. While I agree to a point that a 17 yo should be able to, that is still a big deal. If something gets delayed or something that would be a bad situation to be in and not know what to do. It's more the 'what if's' IMO. If it was a beautiful day and there were not equipment problems or delays anywhere, then fine but "What if...."

 

[ancestry]

I'm sorry for your frustration but to be completely honest I'm completely shocked that you actually paid an unaccompanied minor fee for a 17 year old. Wow! I didn't even realize that the airline will accompany someone at that age even with the fee. Both of my kids have been flying by themselves through layover airports since they were 14. The kids usually fly Air Tran which actually allows children to fly unaccompanied from the age of 12 on.

I do hope that you find some resolution that you will be happy with so that you all can enjoy your vacation.

 

[maxiesmom]

Getting what you paid for is getting a flight from point A to point B. Things like flight times or non-stop flights are not guaranteed. I would upset if I had a non-stop changed to a connecting flight too, but this is par for the course with any airline today. In order to stay in business they need to fly as few planes as full as possible. So that means a lot of messing around with equipment and flight times.

As far as making your 17yr old more comfortable flying alone, have you gone on-line and looked at the layout of the airport he will be connecting at? That would help give him at least an idea of where he needs to go. I wouldn't even consider paying the $100 fee. I have absolutely no sense of direction and yet I have no problem navigating thru airports, so they are pretty idiot proof. Does he have a cell-phone? If not, get him one so that he can stay in touch with a trusted adult. Even hearing a friendly voice should go a long way in making him feel more comfortable while traveling alone.

 

[Claudia1]

It's the "what ifs" that are the issue. He may be 17, but he has never done it on his own before and he is a high functioning special needs kid. He drives and does everything else that other kids do independently but we always have a support system for him. If we were not going to be enroute ourselves, it would not be an issue. One of his adaptive techniques is to identify situations that could be a problem and verbalize. He has already verbalized a concern and feels he would do better with a companion. Time may change that but his initial response is valid at this point in time. He looked up the airport online. If it was an airport that we had previously used, it would not be a problem for him.

I am not a helicopter mom. He is high functioning because we have taught him how to adapt to the world. You would never know he has issues if you met him. No, I will not hold his hand when he goes to college but we will have a strong support system in place for him to rely upon. He will not be 17 for a few weeks and I have not paid the fee yet. We can make that decision up to one day before the flight. Four months may not change anything or he could be cool with it. We will make the best decision for him at that time, based on him and not as an overly protective parent. Please don't flame me for being a responsible parent. He's a great kid with a solid future ahead of him.

I have 2 final comments.
1) What if my son had been a young child? My venting was more about the airlines changes that affect the public negatively. What other industry expects us to accept changes without recourse or complaint? If changes are made, then I think compensation of some type should be made. That is basic customer service. However, we are forced to accept whatever they do. Venting is just that...... venting. I harbor no illusions that this will change because I vented.
2) Yes, flying is no fun anymore. I can remember when it was one of the best parts of the trip. It is a necessary evil that is better than driving 20+ hours.

 

[seashoreCM]

If the airline makes a significant change, you should be able to immediately hand pick a re-change at no extra charge, or, if nothing else works, get a complete refund.

While a 17yo normally does not need a UM charge, if you do go UM then he gets special treatment even if the reason for the problem is weather. He also goes to the top of anyt stand by list that might be needed under peak travel conditions.

 

[Claudia1]

"While a 17yo normally does not need a UM charge, if you do go UM then he gets special treatment even if the reason for the problem is weather. He also goes to the top of anyt stand by list that might be needed under peak travel conditions."


Bingo!!!!

 

[maxiesmom]

"While a 17yo normally does not need a UM charge, if you do go UM then he gets special treatment even if the reason for the problem is weather. He also goes to the top of anyt stand by list that might be needed under peak travel conditions."


Bingo!!!!

What are you bingo-ing? The fact that you needed that info? Or the fact that seashore CM "gets" it? Because up until your last post you never provided the info that you child was indeed a special needs child. If you want accurate assistance, or for us to understand your point of view, you need to provide that kind of info to those who are trying to help you.

I will agree that in your son's case you did the right thing. But a typicall 17yr old would not need that extra assistance.

 

[dburg30]

OP, you have to admit, that without full info, as the PP stated, it's hard to give accurate info. Most of us thought that the 17 yo was just 'not used to flying' that is totally different then sometimes needing some special assistance. So if you felt like the PP's were trying to offer suggestions, given the info provided, you can see where that came from! All to often posts are made in this section, very valuable info is given, the OP doesnt like the info THEN gives all the facts which can totally change the advice given.

So again, probably people giving 'good' advice here, will be painted as bad guys / gals again..


So I'll leave it with, I hope you get a resolution you are happy with, and I hope everyone has a fun trip, no matter the destination.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

If your son is visiting friends in CA, they can get security passes to accompany him to the gate. Wouldn't you rather he be with them in case he needs to remain in CA?

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

This isn't always the case. Especially with a 17 year old.

"While a 17yo normally does not need a UM charge, if you do go UM then he gets special treatment even if the reason for the problem is weather. He also goes to the top of anyt stand by list that might be needed under peak travel conditions."


Bingo!!!!

 

[crashbb]

I would have paid the UM fee for your son even with the direct flight. Things happen - direct flights become non-direct flights on the of the flight; flights get canceled; flights get very delayed (if your son's flight out is very delayed, he'd be at the airport long after you left; if your flight home was very delayed, he'd be at your home airport for a long time waiting for you). If your son is special needs, he likely needs to be an UM even with a direct flight.

That being said, if he is an UM, he will not be able to leave the airport until the authorised person signs him out. If your home flight is very delayed, do you have a contingency plan?

 

[NHdisneylover]

I don't think any of this new to the world of flying. Prices changed (like the stock market ) at least since I can remember (say 20 years). The only difference is way back when you would only know about the change if you called your travel agent, or the airline, and checked again. It was a pain to do (and pointless) so you would not know so easily as you do now that things can be priced and purchased online.

I can also remember flights times, layovers, etc. changing when I was a kid. It happened several times.

I would have paid the UM fee for your son even with the direct flight. Things happen - direct flights become non-direct flights on the of the flight; flights get canceled; flights get very delayed (if your son's flight out is very delayed, he'd be at the airport long after you left; if your flight home was very delayed, he'd be at your home airport for a long time waiting for you). If your son is special needs, he likely needs to be an UM even with a direct flight.

That being said, if he is an UM, he will not be able to leave the airport until the authorised person signs him out. If your home flight is very delayed, do you have a contingency plan?

I think this is very important info. ANY flight can change due to weahter, mechanical problems, etc. If your son will be too flustered to handle a scheduled change, he will almost certainly become far too ruffled in the event of an unplanned stopover, etc.
Also, yes, you do need to figure out who (must be one specific person listed on the form) will be picking him up at the airport (as noted above).

 

[Claudia1]

I was "bingo-ing " the info because that is a classic "what-if" scenario that we need to prepare for. Yes, we have a back-up plan with friends in the area that can be there if we are not. NWA told me I could put 2 names on the list, so I hope they are correct.

We have also come up with another safety net..... online wifi on our flight which will allow us to be in communication with him at all times (texting to his cell). As a teen, he certainly knows how to text! Honestly, the main concern is a missed flight for reasons outside of his control and the need to reschedule another flight. I want to be able to communicate with him to make alternate arrangements if necessary. Our only other family to help are my 80-yr old parents, who would not be much help in this instance. If we can nail down a constant stream of communication, we will all breathe easier. If there is a major flight change or disruption, we could talk him thru it.

This will also be a significant learning experience for him. As in all things, given the right tools, he can do anything. I really love the tag somebody has about preparing your child for the road and not the road for your child. The only reason we are considering the UM fee is as an insurance policy, not a crutch. Big difference. When he knows he can contact us, he can enjoy his independence. Without a safety net, he gets nervous. The older he gets, the less he needs from us (as it should be).

I have been on the boards since the first year and have alternately given too much info or not enough. Most certainly, I do not see any good or bad posters here. Whenever I read a post or response, I know that nobody truly knows the other persons situation. If they feel it is important, then it is to them. When I made the post, it was not to complain about my DS issues ( I accept all that he is and will be) but to make a general comment on the state of flying these days. I did not expect this to become a discussion on the info provided but that is OK. I am not offended and I harbor no ill feelings toward anybody. All comments were appropriate with the info given. My error in not being more specific.

All of the ports have helped my thought processes, too, in sorting true needs vs wants/available options. I pray that this will all be a mute point by April!