overpay for schedule - delay - end up on originally cheaper flight
Jun 24, 2008, 7:01 am
#31
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 3,698
That's the substance of the argument here: you pay extra for something, you don't receive it, should you still have to pay the extra money? It's interesting that you also don't want to be shipped in a box, but that's also not germane to the discussion. brp is probably right that it's impractical to actually implement a scheme to get your money back in these cases, but as AA moves to a more a la carte model, there's going to be an increasing expectation that they actually deliver on the specific services that they charge for.
This led to an interesting thought, though: maybe AA should have something like "Priceline" fares where you don't get to choose the specific flights you go on at the time of booking, you just go "sometime" that day. You'd also get less flexibility when it comes to schedule changes. Choosing the flights you want would cost extra. This seems like a more useful way to distinguish between business and leisure travelers than most of the things that airlines do today.
Jun 24, 2008, 12:58 pm
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
you are missing a very important point.
AA is dumping me on a more expensive flight (albeit one that i did not choose), so it's their problem to eat the fare difference. they would never have a cause of action against me when they are forcing schedule changes.
i see no logical relevance in your example.
a more accurate use of your hypothetical: in your example, if i oversleep the flight (as opposed to it being canceled), AA could possibly charge me hundreds and hundreds of dollars (a lot more than your $150) or preclude me from flying altogether depending on availability.
in that situation, it is my fault, and i am forced to take responsibility. if i have irregular ops, i can assure that AA doesn't care.
AA is dumping me on a more expensive flight (albeit one that i did not choose), so it's their problem to eat the fare difference. they would never have a cause of action against me when they are forcing schedule changes.
i see no logical relevance in your example.
a more accurate use of your hypothetical: in your example, if i oversleep the flight (as opposed to it being canceled), AA could possibly charge me hundreds and hundreds of dollars (a lot more than your $150) or preclude me from flying altogether depending on availability.
in that situation, it is my fault, and i am forced to take responsibility. if i have irregular ops, i can assure that AA doesn't care.
Jun 24, 2008, 6:02 pm
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Homeless Nomad Wandering the Globe
Programs: Former AA EXP/2M Lifetime now Blackballed UA Premier Executive PWP Bronze
Posts: 5,938
http://www.elliott.org/blog/airlines...lift-earnings/
and here:
http://www.elliott.org/blog/flat-tire-rule-goes-flat/
I’ve heard from numerous readers who say that airlines are taking a hard line on people who don’t show up in time for their flights.
A few travelers reported being stuck in long check-in lines (even though they arrived at the airport hours before their departure) missing their flights, and having to buy new tickets.
Others had the proverbial flat tire on their way to the airport, and were told “tough luck” when they tried to check in. They, too, had to buy new tickets.
A few travelers reported being stuck in long check-in lines (even though they arrived at the airport hours before their departure) missing their flights, and having to buy new tickets.
Others had the proverbial flat tire on their way to the airport, and were told “tough luck” when they tried to check in. They, too, had to buy new tickets.
The airline contract of carriage allows a carrier to cancel a flight when there are circumstances beyond its control — any thing from bad weather to political unrest. Airline passengers are pretty understanding when that happens. After all, you shouldn’t be responsible for something you can’t control.
Should airlines be similarly compassionate when their passengers can’t make a flight?
Should airlines be similarly compassionate when their passengers can’t make a flight?
again, i don't want to take away from my point and that is that when i pay a premium for something and get something lesser, i should get my premium back.
brp says that is logistically impossible. sdg says they won't budge. i think there's an argument, and others here agree (thanks jordyn).
Jun 24, 2008, 7:38 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: AA - EXP 1.5 Million Miles, SPG Gold, hertz 5 star
Posts: 498
IF the delay was non-weather related and it wasn't the OP's fault, a gentle call to customer relations may get AA to do a fare audit and refund the difference of fares based on the rates on the date of purchase. AA has done this for me once before.
Like many things with AA it depends on the exec office person handling the complaint and AAtitudes (yours and theirs).
good luck
Like many things with AA it depends on the exec office person handling the complaint and AAtitudes (yours and theirs).
good luck
Jun 24, 2008, 10:12 pm
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
does AA have it? i don't know. i had never heard of it b/c i have never missed a flight on AA (as far as i remember - too scared to). i know that i missed a flight on national in 2001 (??? some airline that connected through MO for dfw - lax), and my entire reservation was canceled with no refund and no opportunity to change to a later flight. no flat-tire rule there.
Jun 24, 2008, 10:16 pm
#36
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Indy
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Titanium and Delta Gold
Posts: 45
Change Fee
A couple of years ago I changed a ticket to depart on an earlier flight and paid the change fee. That flight was delayed and actually ended up arriving later than the original flight I was on. AA reembursed me for the change fee.