Feb 14, 2014, 8:11 am
Last edit by: JDiver
Per tommyleo in post #10 (please feel free to edit/add updates):
Here's a hot tip that I've used successfully during weather problems for several airlines: call the airline's overseas call centers. Use Skype and it's dirt cheap.
Here are U.S.'s overseas numbers. I just called the U.K. number and the agent answered immediately after I was prompted to press "2". This should work with just about any US call center since there should be an option for English at all of them. Good luck.
Since the overseas call center are typically not open 24 hours, one should consider the local time at the those call centers before calling.
abein2672: The (US) Canada number is pure GOLD! 1-888-240-4770. Toll free in the US, routes to an English-speaking agent in Europe...
Here's a hot tip that I've used successfully during weather problems for several airlines: call the airline's overseas call centers. Use Skype and it's dirt cheap.
Here are U.S.'s overseas numbers. I just called the U.K. number and the agent answered immediately after I was prompted to press "2". This should work with just about any US call center since there should be an option for English at all of them. Good luck.
Since the overseas call center are typically not open 24 hours, one should consider the local time at the those call centers before calling.
abein2672: The (US) Canada number is pure GOLD! 1-888-240-4770. Toll free in the US, routes to an English-speaking agent in Europe...
Can't get through to US? Alternative numbers to call when call centers are jammed up
Feb 11, 2014, 12:01 pm
#16
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Former long-time US GP; now AA dirt
Posts: 4,904
Here's a hot tip that I've used successfully during weather problems for several airlines: call the airline's overseas call centers. Use Skype and it's dirt cheap.
Here are U.S.'s overseas numbers. I just called the U.K. number and the agent answered immediately after I was prompted to press "2". This should work with just about any US call center since there should be an option for English at all of them. Good luck.
Here are U.S.'s overseas numbers. I just called the U.K. number and the agent answered immediately after I was prompted to press "2". This should work with just about any US call center since there should be an option for English at all of them. Good luck.
Feb 11, 2014, 1:50 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: US Chairman, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 90
Did That For About 20 Minutes At Noon (ET)
Feb 11, 2014, 2:51 pm
#18
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 138
I'm still not able to get past the automated guy...as soon as it redirects me I get a busy signal or a message that basically says "We are too busy to talk to you, goodbye"...aaaaargh!
Feb 11, 2014, 5:22 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHL, LHR
Posts: 219
I've been on hold for over an hour to this point...not ideal.
Feb 11, 2014, 6:59 pm
#20
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 45
Tried to call UK just now, but the office is closed.
Feb 11, 2014, 7:11 pm
#21
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Plainfield, IL- 60585
Programs: Hilton Gold; AA Platinum;Marriott Gold; Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 353
Hold times
Tried to call last week to book a United award using US Airways miles. Faled over a three day period so just broke down and transferred UR points to book from my United account. Total fiasco.
Feb 11, 2014, 7:47 pm
#22
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: FLL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 79
My 5:50pm ISP -> DCA flight tomorrow was canceled today at 6:30pm
... called a few times and couldn't get through to a person, so had to go to Plan B - LIRR to NYC & Amtrak to DC tomorrow eve (must get home, b/c I'm IAD -> DKR -> JNB Thurs night - snow permitting)
... called a few times and couldn't get through to a person, so had to go to Plan B - LIRR to NYC & Amtrak to DC tomorrow eve (must get home, b/c I'm IAD -> DKR -> JNB Thurs night - snow permitting)
Feb 11, 2014, 9:11 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: WFBF
Posts: 963
During the last CLT weather bonanza, I got disconnected once when trying to call the CP line. Tried again and got through to a rep almost immediately.
YMMV.
YMMV.
Feb 11, 2014, 9:54 pm
#24
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA, DL, AA, US, SQ, TK, SPG, HH, CC, Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Enterprise, Chase UR, Amex MR
Posts: 74
Here's a hot tip that I've used successfully during weather problems for several airlines: call the airline's overseas call centers. Use Skype and it's dirt cheap.
Here are U.S.'s overseas numbers. I just called the U.K. number and the agent answered immediately after I was prompted to press "2". This should work with just about any US call center since there should be an option for English at all of them. Good luck.
Here are U.S.'s overseas numbers. I just called the U.K. number and the agent answered immediately after I was prompted to press "2". This should work with just about any US call center since there should be an option for English at all of them. Good luck.
Feb 12, 2014, 6:28 am
#25
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: ROA / CLT
Programs: AA Plat, Marriott Life Plat
Posts: 801
Definitely a challenge getting through this morning -- every time I've tried to call to change a flight out of CLT tomorrow, I've been transferred to a busy signal instead of to an agent. 
It's not surprising they're busy considering the impending storm, though it would be nice if their call system could at least handle queuing the incoming call volume.
It's not surprising they're busy considering the impending storm, though it would be nice if their call system could at least handle queuing the incoming call volume.
Feb 12, 2014, 6:48 am
#26
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,032
Definitely a challenge getting through this morning -- every time I've tried to call to change a flight out of CLT tomorrow, I've been transferred to a busy signal instead of to an agent. It's not surprising they're busy considering the impending storm, though it would be nice if their call system could at least handle queuing the incoming call volume.
It's not surprising they're busy considering the impending storm, though it would be nice if their call system could at least handle queuing the incoming call volume.
Feb 12, 2014, 7:49 am
#27
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: CLT
Programs: DL DM, AA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 438
I also keep getting drilled to a busy signal. Oy.
Feb 12, 2014, 8:13 am
#28
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 468
Yes, for 24 hours now, I've gotten the same message before being disconnected
"We want to give you the best possible service... Please give us a call back later... Thanks for your understanding"
US is advising people on twitter to just keep calling back indefinitely and you may eventually get through.
This happened last time I tried to reach US during IRROPS on Jan 2. Both times, AA was busy too but offered the callback option.
"We want to give you the best possible service... Please give us a call back later... Thanks for your understanding"
US is advising people on twitter to just keep calling back indefinitely and you may eventually get through.
This happened last time I tried to reach US during IRROPS on Jan 2. Both times, AA was busy too but offered the callback option.
Feb 12, 2014, 10:00 am
#29
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Former long-time US GP; now AA dirt
Posts: 4,904
I was stuck in Toronto in January, trying to go YYZ-PHL, during a weather meltdown. AC's phone line offered nothing but busy signals and the line at the airport was over 1000 people long with only four AC ticket agents. (No exaggeration.)
Since it was 3:00AM EST, I skyped AC's JAPAN office. Got rebooked in two minutes.
Feb 12, 2014, 10:25 am
#30
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,955
I'm trying to get through today to fix a partner award booking. No dice. Now I'm on hold with Lufthansa, seeing if they'd be willing to fix it directly (ticketed by US, but LH operated segment disappeared).
EDIT: Nope, can't touch the ticket.
EDIT: Nope, can't touch the ticket.
Last edited by PWMTrav; Feb 12, 2014 at 10:31 am