A few years ago a huge typhoon hit HK and many flights were delayed and cancelled. I was scheduled to fly back to SFO 3 days after resumption of lights. To my surprised, CX did not have additional flights out, but rather they tried ot put the standby passenger on the next flight and for the most part, bumped the people who were supposed to be on that flight. This caused a dominoe affect. I'd gone to the airport 4 1/2 hours early and stood in line for 4 and hours only to find out that they gave my seat to someone else because I was not at the counter 1 hr before my flight. The airport was in complete chaos and I was assured throughout the time waiting that I was guaranteed to get on the plane. I'd checked in online already and only needed to check my bags.
CX basically gave my seat away and waitlisted me for the next flight the next day. they probably bumped someone on the flight the next day just to get me in. I was upset because they had a full 3 days to get additional flights out but they didn't. Instead they tried to fill up all of the future flights and bump customers. Eventually they would be able to get everyone out since it's normally slow during the weekdays.
As compensation, they gave me $200 and a voucher for a future upgrade from Economy to business. Ans this was only after I told them that I was checked in already and have my boarding pass. I sawa that thos ewho did nto complain got nothing. Does anyone know if this is normally the best they can offer? I've read of some concessions for US based flights and the compensation is much more than CX. I felt what they did was totally wrong. They were constanting lying to me. Even told me that the flight would be waiting for me etc. When I confronted the agent, he told me that management told him to tell people that so that people would stay calm.
I want to be prepared when this happens again. I'd like to be better compensated if possible because I know some of these airlines would like to get away with soemthing like this without compensation if possible!
