FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Re-styled 738's (or, how to erase years of goodwill/lose a customer in one flight)

Oct 6, 2016 | 10:02 am

#10

dmodemd

Join Date: Dec 2005

Location: Kirkland, WA

Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*

Posts: 3,657

Quote:

Originally Posted by BearX220

Terrible story. You have a right to be angry.

I think in your situation I would have deboarded.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3Cforme

The DOT doesn't have much to say on situations like this:

Substitution of a smaller aircraft - even a 159-seat 738 for a 163-seat 738 - exempts the carrier from needing to follow IDB rules (asking for volunteers...) and paying compensation.

Cabin of service downgrades don't trigger DOT-mandated IDB/VDB compensation. Carrier contracts of carriage specify fare refunds.

Seat assignments are never guaranteed. To carriers and the DOT, every seat in coach is as good as any other. (Families with small children get new rights to sit together, however.)

U.S. travelers are stuck relying on the generosity of carriers. (Hah! Hah!)

I completely agree. I would have deplaned and fight it out with management in the airport. FAs are limited by the seats they (don't) have. If your health is at risk, that comes first, so take the steps necessary to prevent further injury. By not taking that option you may limit your recourse.

I am very dismayed that there is no consumer protection to ensure that people get the product they pay for. I can't think of another acceptable consumer situation where the seller is allowed to substitute an inferior product to the one you paid for after you paid for it.

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