lost*in*cyberspace said:
So? Do you think that an infrequent flyer's inconvenience is more important to an airline than a frequent flyer's inconvenience, who may very well be an elite member of an airlines FF program? I don't.
This is absurd. It's tough having your travel plans disrupted whether you are well off or or struggling financially, taking a long planned trip or a spur of the moment outing.
The purpose of posts explaining that these types of delays are common, do not merit any compensation, and that you have to be prepared to deal with them without overreacting and getting upset, is not to criticize, but to provide information to inexperienced flyers.
Almost everyone who flies will experience a missed connection, messed up seat assignments, lost luggage, weather delays or cancellations. You deal with it and move on.
This is 100% correct.
Sorry, I didn't mean to infer that an infrequent flyer's inconvenience is more important to an airline than a frequent flyer's inconvenience. Or it is not as bad if you are well off as opposed to struggling financially.
Other than Disney trips, I do fly occaisionally for business, and frequently to visit the in-laws (no real hurry to get here). I'm just saying that when i read some of these posts, i try to put myself in situation of the person explaining the problem. In most cases I think I would tend to feel the same way.
It seems that the best advice given is "That's the way it is, deal with it". Some people are more persisitent and would be willing to fight for some type of satisfaction rather than just throwing their hands up in the air and giving up. It seems the airlines stance is that you get what we give you and you're gonna like it.
For example, I am flying AirTran in September. I have non-stop flights with times that meet my needs. There has already been one time change that i can live with. But, if a change is made that messes with my plans, I WILL get a refund on my non-refundable fare. No doubt in my mind.
If I posted this problem here, i would get several responses saying things like: "What do you expect them to do", "Buy a more expensive ticket next time", "I don't see why you are complaining, you got a good rate", "There is nothing you can do".
Well, I say bull@#$! to that. I paid for a certain product at a certain time. If they can't live up to that, within reason, then give me my money back.
Didn't mean to offend anyone, I just feel bad when i read some of these experiences. It should be the exception, but it seems to be the norm lately. Actually, I am a pretty easy going guy, but when I feel I am wronged, I can't just sit back and take it. Especially when I am told there is nothing I can do about it. Just because I am dealing with an airline should not make it any different. I appreciate everyones facts, opinions and rule clarifications, but this is just the way I feel.