About to get stuck overnight in SLC...what to expect?
Feb 27, 2015, 3:49 pm
#31
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: AA Gold, Delta DM Hilton Diamond SPG Gold, and Foodland premium.
Posts: 824
FWIW, I've had success in the past with this tactic: when a gate agent or phone agent promises me an overnight accommodation in a different city due to IROPS, I ask them to put a note to that effect in the record. It removes ambiguity further down the road as to what I've been told. And if the agent is unwilling to do it, I suggest perhaps I would be better off staying in the current city since accommodations in the next one aren't guaranteed.
Feb 27, 2015, 4:16 pm
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Posts: 12,646
So....funny story....
Got off the plane in SLC and the reps say "they should never have promised you a hotel in Chicago. We don't have any hotels here, everything is sold out."
There was a stack of airplane pillows and red blankets, they were assuming that people would be sleeping on the floor.
I found myself a reservation at the Doubletree which with tax was about $197 total.
They said, we can only pay $35. Try back in the morning when you return, with your receipt, and speak to a redcoat.
Did that....Redcoat said, all I can do is give you a $100 TCV and that's my max.
Also tried in the SkyClub both last night and this morning, got lots of "concerned" and "sympathetic" faces. If I could pay my hotel bill with their folksy sentiment, I would. But....no.
I'm quite boiled.
Got off the plane in SLC and the reps say "they should never have promised you a hotel in Chicago. We don't have any hotels here, everything is sold out."
There was a stack of airplane pillows and red blankets, they were assuming that people would be sleeping on the floor.
I found myself a reservation at the Doubletree which with tax was about $197 total.
They said, we can only pay $35. Try back in the morning when you return, with your receipt, and speak to a redcoat.
Did that....Redcoat said, all I can do is give you a $100 TCV and that's my max.
Also tried in the SkyClub both last night and this morning, got lots of "concerned" and "sympathetic" faces. If I could pay my hotel bill with their folksy sentiment, I would. But....no.
I'm quite boiled.
I was younger and naive. Then, I learned that "there are no rooms available" means "there are no rooms available at the price DL is willing to pay."
The next time I heard this, I was in a situation similar to yours, arriving in ATL with assurance (
) of the agent at the departure city that I would be given a room when I arrived.I did not have to wait in line to be rebuffed because the ATL agent was making a general announcement to all. However, I was already on the phone making a reservation at a nearby Hilton property. I am confident that the room was better than what I would have been given on a voucher.
Do what I did in follow-up. I called the main customer service number (the one that is only open Mon-Fri during the day.
The number used to be 404-714-3192. Perhaps someone can confirm that this is still correct.
I had no trouble getting reimbursed for the full amount. Not sure I even had to forward a receipt. Received a check in the mail.
It will be interesting to see if that part of VA Ave has become hard-hearted.
Good luck.
Got all of my Hilton credit this way, also.
Feb 27, 2015, 4:33 pm
#33
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Feb 27, 2015, 4:34 pm
#34
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At JFK you're relatively unlikely to get a smile. If you're polite, you're relatively more likely to actually get something useful. (If you start by making it clear that you don't/won't blame the agent you're talking to for the problem you already have, you're very likely to get something useful.)
Feb 27, 2015, 4:44 pm
#35
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: DL ♦, Marriot Plt, NATL EE
Posts: 526
SLC is a city I've been stuck in multiple times overnight and I've never had a bad experience getting stuck in SLC.
YMMV as to being stuck overnight in a city given the circumstances.
Feb 27, 2015, 6:00 pm
#36
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BWI
Programs: DL FO
Posts: 312
I spent a night on the floor in ATL due to a convergence of weather and computer problems. They didn't make the final call to cancel my flight until 2am, and I was re-booked on a 7am flight, so it didn't seem worth it to wait in line for a voucher, wait for a shuttle, and wait to check in for so little time in a hotel. My naivete came in as I didn't even think to ask for a food voucher. I also learned that the food and shopping options shut down at 11pm, but the CNN loop stays on 24/7.
Feb 27, 2015, 6:23 pm
#37
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: LAS HNL
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I need to get that APP that turns your phone into a TV remote control at cut the CNN loop and turn on ESPN or the Food Network. Anything but CNN. Or simply shut the TV off.
ATL loves a few things: Coke, Peaches, CNN and Delta Airlines.
I agree JFK is the worst agents, followed closely by BOS and MIA.
I have had agents lie to me a few times. ATL and DFW come to mind.
Feb 27, 2015, 6:30 pm
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Delta Diamond 1MM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 502
FWIW, I've had some EXCELLENT experiences with JFK agents. Like, people who bent over backwards breaking all kinds of rules to get me onto my flight, with bags, despite my being very very very late. Like, personal escorts through security with my giant oversized must-check suitcase.
Maybe it's just a matter of personalities...mine clicks very well with JFK staff and a NYC attitude....less so with the soft niceties I found at SLC.
Maybe it's just a matter of personalities...mine clicks very well with JFK staff and a NYC attitude....less so with the soft niceties I found at SLC.
Feb 27, 2015, 6:49 pm
#39
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DTW/FNT
Programs: Delta (nee NW), Hilton Diamond. IHG (PT)
Posts: 4,823
SLC has a great light rail system and there are plenty of good hotels downtown within walking distance of it.
We've done MRs there and spent a whole day playing tourist.
Bob H
We've done MRs there and spent a whole day playing tourist.
Bob H
Feb 27, 2015, 9:01 pm
#41
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FWIW, I've had some EXCELLENT experiences with JFK agents. Like, people who bent over backwards breaking all kinds of rules to get me onto my flight, with bags, despite my being very very very late. Like, personal escorts through security with my giant oversized must-check suitcase.
Maybe it's just a matter of personalities...mine clicks very well with JFK staff and a NYC attitude....less so with the soft niceties I found at SLC.
Maybe it's just a matter of personalities...mine clicks very well with JFK staff and a NYC attitude....less so with the soft niceties I found at SLC.
Feb 27, 2015, 9:40 pm
#42
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: LAS HNL
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Posts: 4,479
Feb 28, 2015, 8:20 am
#43
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: AA Gold, Delta DM Hilton Diamond SPG Gold, and Foodland premium.
Posts: 824
I actually left the airport in SLC for the first time last month. What a great city. I did the temple square and also ate at the red iguana. I have had long layovers there before, but never left the airport. I would definitely leave the airport if I had a long layover again. Since it is a delta hub, I am sure lots of other delta flyers have had a long layover in SLC.
Feb 28, 2015, 8:48 am
#44
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, 1MM
Posts: 3,781
I was as surprised as anyone that a DoubleTree in the middle of nowhere went for $197. I stayed in a lux hotel the night prior in downtown Chicago for $140.
But that's what it was. Apparently there was some "choral convention" in town and they booked every last room in Utah.
See:
http://acda.org/page.asp?page=conferences
But that's what it was. Apparently there was some "choral convention" in town and they booked every last room in Utah.
See:
http://acda.org/page.asp?page=conferences