How do you feel when the airport staff makes you late for your connecting flight?

Question

I was coming home from San Diego Ca on a flight . I will not give the name of the airline ,becaus it would knock down some of their reputation. I got to the airport at 4:15 that morning and my flight wasn't leaving until 6:50. The wait was short for picking up my tickets.I thought that was pretty good because sometims it could be crowded standing in line.

I got on the plane about 6:30 getting ready for take off. Do you know, that I and 120 other people waited there until 7:33 for take off. I can't understand why they put you through so much and delay your flight. So when I got to the George Bush intl. , I was late for my connecting flight to Charlotte NC and stayed there for another 3 hours.

I think they should have a better system for customers when it comes to these flight arrangements. They always want you to be on time but they can't be on time for us.

John Singletary(Nevercashout.com)

Answer 1

1st of all (I work for a major airline...)

Nobody wants that plane to be on time and everything to go hunky dory more than the airlines...

We lose money with every flight that doesn't go well, and why on earth would we want to lose money...

People who call up the complaint line (I'm the complaint manager) have it in their head some stupid conspiracy theories that the airlines did it just to make  them mad, or they actually think we "save" money by cancelling flights.

Nothing could be further from the truth...Think about it...It all starts with a govt. rundown Air Traffic Control System, then...you have a million people in one place at the same time all trying to carry a million bags on board, then you have the govt. security screeners, then you have the the weather, then you have a huge amount of people who won't take responsibility for their actions.

I don't care why you left the gate to go get a drink or a sandwich!  Be at the gate when they board, or you will miss your flight...

People's pathetic personal reasons for "whatever" it was that caused them to miss their flight do not concern us...just be at that gate when they are boarding, Capiche?!?

It don't matter WHY you're not there...just be there, and arrive two hours before departure at the airport, and if you're smart, you'll buy a large specially designed to fit in the overhead compartment piece of luggage, and you will travel with just ONE carry on piece of luggage, and buy all your namby pamby bathroom needs at the store when you get to your destination...just sit down, and shut up, and enjoy your destination, this is NOT Romper Room or A Hilton Hotel Suite in the Sky...dammit, people...just deal with it with grace, finesse, style, and a stoically realistic grip on reality...

Or I will be forced to give you all a noogie...(smiles)

Answer 2

You're really quite right to complain.  And you shouldn't be afraid to mention the airline involved - they all need a good prod.

How do I feel? Annoyed, frustrated, and disgusted that the air transport industry in the States has turned into something of a zoo.  But my feelings are one thing.  How I react is calm, cool, with a nice smile on my face.  That usually gets more kind attention from already over-harassed and understaffed airline employees.

Last time it happened to me, I faced an 8 hour delay in Newark waiting for a US Air flight to Charlotte.  Everyone else on the plane was up in arms.  I finally got to the US Air attendant and smiled at her and asked her what was available.  She said she wasn't sure but that if I'd check back in 2 hours, she could give me a definite answer.  So I took out my computer, hooked onto wi-fi, waited the two hours or so, went back still smiling and looking obviously tired (I had just made an 18 hour flight from Singapore).  She went through the list and got me a seat - in first class, no less.  I winked at her and told her she had won my heart!

Answer 3

im late all the time its normal. quit complaining about it and grow up.