Originally Posted by
knit-in
In that case, one must question why Dao has figured in this discussion at all. Surely, no one is calling him an oversized carry-on, even if he was dragged out like one!
Corporations cloaked in one sided contracts, having passengers thrown off using the state's machinery, for not keeping their end of the deal, may not be entirely equivalent to oppressive regimes, but are unjust, regardless.
You speak as if the terms most unfavorable to customers are plastered in bold letters during the transaction. Perhaps, words such as, "THE AIRLINE HAS THE RIGHT TO DO WITH YOUR TICKET, THAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO PAY WITH YOUR MONEY, WHATEVER THEY PLEASE", when the flight choices come up, could make it abundantly clear to the customer that buying the service now is not a full promise of delivery of service.
Fact is, companies profit from customers' confusion caused by the fine print.
Customers dissatisfied with corporate policies complain all the time. That is why Customer Service exists. A large number of unhappy customers have known to trigger changes in unfair terms.
If I feel like an airline is treating me unjustly, I shall be PITA and will condone it. Not flying is not an option for me. Nor is it good for the airline business.
Did OP ever even mention Dao? He was talking about getting exceptions to policy. I agree that Dao should not figure into this discussion as it is beyond the scope of the original topic.
The terms are actually very clear and the contract of carriage is easily accessible (at least for the airlines I fly on). Just because you choose not to read them, doesn't mean you didn't agree to them.
I'll admit that I don't read the iTunes terms and conditions every time I update my phone... Consequently, I'm wholly liable if somewhere in the tiniest font supported it says I have to amputate my left hand.
You seem very unhappy with commercial air travel. Perhaps you would be better suited to look at alternative travel arrangements. I, on the other hand, enjoy air travel immensely and as such have invested the time to understand the legal agreements involved. That way, if an issue arises, I'm armed with the knowledge to deal with it effectively and diplomatically... as opposed to having a temper tantrum in public.