Phone Call from Gate Agent
Sep 28, 2015, 4:22 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,659
Phone Call from Gate Agent
I was flying SAL-MIA-TPA last night but decided not to take the last leg. I bought a separate ticket to fly MIA-TPA at a later date. I was surprised when my phone rang and it was the gate agent for my MIA-TPA flight checking to see if I was going to make my flight because she didn't want to give my seat away. From what I read on here this is not SOP, but I thought it was great service, she even mentioned that she was especially worried about me because I was such a 'valued customer'. Obviously we can't expect them to do that for every flight, but I wanted to share my experience and see if anyone else had had similar experiences.
Sep 28, 2015, 5:31 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,234
Phone Call from Gate Agent
This happened to me on CO years ago under similar circumstances, though I don't recall whether it was the actual GA or someone in an office.
Sep 28, 2015, 5:47 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP...couple hotels and cars too
Posts: 4,548
I was flying SAL-MIA-TPA last night but decided not to take the last leg. I bought a separate ticket to fly MIA-TPA at a later date. I was surprised when my phone rang and it was the gate agent for my MIA-TPA flight checking to see if I was going to make my flight because she didn't want to give my seat away. From what I read on here this is not SOP, but I thought it was great service, she even mentioned that she was especially worried about me because I was such a 'valued customer'. Obviously we can't expect them to do that for every flight, but I wanted to share my experience and see if anyone else had had similar experiences.
When I am dropping a leg, I have my travel agent cancel my flight so this does not happen. The leg is cancelled, AA never knows. There is an unused coupon floating around but nobody is wondering 'why didnt he fly that?'
Sep 28, 2015, 6:05 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
Happened to me at the beginning of this year on a DFW-SEA flight. Kept my seat on this flight as a result ^^!
Sep 28, 2015, 6:09 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Portland
Posts: 11,571
What a wonderful service, and certainly much more effective and efficient than paging people in the gate area. I've personally never experienced it.
Sep 28, 2015, 6:12 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
However, when it happens it's very, very nice!
Sep 28, 2015, 8:51 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA EXP 3MM; LH FT (*A Silver); Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite; Starwood Corporate Preferred
Posts: 782
Had it several times on somewhat tight connections. I think EXP and paid F tickets probably helps.
Sep 28, 2015, 9:32 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: ONT/FRA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 878
I was flying SAL-MIA-TPA last night but decided not to take the last leg. I bought a separate ticket to fly MIA-TPA at a later date. I was surprised when my phone rang and it was the gate agent for my MIA-TPA flight checking to see if I was going to make my flight because she didn't want to give my seat away. From what I read on here this is not SOP, but I thought it was great service, she even mentioned that she was especially worried about me because I was such a 'valued customer'. Obviously we can't expect them to do that for every flight, but I wanted to share my experience and see if anyone else had had similar experiences.
I'm a run of the mill EXP - made me realize that AA does value us.
Sep 29, 2015, 6:57 am
#9
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,664
I have been called also by an agent trying to find out where I was given that I was checked-in for the flight. I think if you dont check-in, probably no call.
Sep 29, 2015, 7:02 am
#10
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
I have had this happen recently.....ORD-LGA while at O'Hare. I was trying to get home earlier and the GA called me to make sure I was going to make it to the gate and he held my FC seat.....he got an AAplause certificate from me.
Sep 29, 2015, 10:42 am
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
On a tight connection at CLT the EXP desk monitored my inbound flight from DTW and called the gate to tell them to hold my F seat and bin space. Got to the gate at 602PM for a 605PM departure, after trying to run through the crowded hallways at CLT.