Originally Posted by
tapuach
A few days before his return, he happened to mention to me that his little one seems to drop off the reservation for the return. He called UA and they told his someone would get back to him and that he shouldn't worry; no one called back and make a long story short, he was told after multiple phone calls that with only one seat left on the flight, he'd better buy the last ticket (in premium) for the child-- or he would find his child, and by extension, himself, stuck without a way back.
It's unfortunate that he didn't receive better customer service from United.
Originally Posted by
tapuach
but still, it seems to me, that if he purchased a ticket for a certain person with a known-to-airline birthday, and leaves as scheduled on all legs (as opposed to a ticket change which would trigger a different fare for an older age), it seems a bit desingenoius legally, for an airline to collect a fare, create a contract with a traveller, and then simply not allow them to board because of an age change? Surely, they could put on the website when you try to book a notice that says "PASSENGER AGE CHANGE DURING TRAVEL MAKES FARE UNSELLABLE" or such?
There was no contract, because the purchaser misrepresented the child's age. Furthermore, as pointed out, AC would have been in violation of the law if they'd allowed the child to fly without a seat.
Originally Posted by
tapuach
Had he known, and purchased (half or full) ticket for that child when he did all the others, he would have paid much less-- and in any case, I think that from a legal standpoint, airline acceptance of payment and no notice (and UA agents on the phone saying he would be fine not to worry) is unfair.
By contracting directly with an airline, your family member has represented that he didn't need a travel agent. That makes it his responsibility to understand the product. Caveat emptor, as it were.
Originally Posted by
tapuach
What is his best approach? the airline said "too bad." a DOT letter? small claims court?
"Your Honor, I tried to break several laws, and United didn't stop me soon enough."
Originally Posted by
tapuach
saying "tough noogies" is not my preffered response.
I can sympathize, but I don't see a better option for you.