Gate Agent Called my Cell Phone
Jan 27, 2022, 7:51 am
#16
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
I;m sure the GA had considered the possibility that the passenger might not answer but probably decided it was still better than sending a singing telegram.
Jan 27, 2022, 9:16 am
#17
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(Clue the movie)
Jan 27, 2022, 5:55 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 2004
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I had the same thing happen a couple of weeks ago with Customer service, I was worried at the time with the hour plus waits but needed several refunds for canceled flights over the holidays.
Jan 27, 2022, 7:44 pm
#19
Join Date: Nov 2016
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Posts: 1,092
Slightly OT.
Several years ago I arrived gate at about T-25. I have a "friend" in tow who had stopped off at the smoking lounge as we arrived.
They were calling all pax to board and I went on in. As soon as I scanned my BP I realized that my friend might not make it. I started to turn around and tell the GA I needed to fetch him. The GA said do not worry, we will check out the smoking lounge before we close the flight.
They did, and he made it minutes before they closed the doors.
I think the PA system is near worthless, way too much noise. Text messaging would likely be the most effective.
Several years ago I arrived gate at about T-25. I have a "friend" in tow who had stopped off at the smoking lounge as we arrived.
They were calling all pax to board and I went on in. As soon as I scanned my BP I realized that my friend might not make it. I started to turn around and tell the GA I needed to fetch him. The GA said do not worry, we will check out the smoking lounge before we close the flight.
They did, and he made it minutes before they closed the doors.
I think the PA system is near worthless, way too much noise. Text messaging would likely be the most effective.
To: Passenger's Number
Time: 21:30
Message: Hello! This is Example Carrier! We are entering Final Boarding for Flight XYZ to ABC City, DE, at Gate A123. Are you joining us onboard today? Respond with:
(1) Yes, within 5 min of the gate.
(2) Yes, but I'm in the loo. See you in 10 min.
(3) No, I'm in the loo, and its an absolute tragedy at the moment.
(STOP) To stop receiving any messages from Example Carrier.
Jan 27, 2022, 9:09 pm
#20
Join Date: Mar 2018
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Posts: 2,272
From: 12345
To: Passenger's Number
Time: 21:30
Message: Hello! This is Example Carrier! We are entering Final Boarding for Flight XYZ to ABC City, DE, at Gate A123. Are you joining us onboard today? Respond with:
(1) Yes, within 5 min of the gate.
(2) Yes, but I'm in the loo. See you in 10 min.
(3) No, I'm in the loo, and its an absolute tragedy at the moment.
(STOP) To stop receiving any messages from Example Carrier.
To: Passenger's Number
Time: 21:30
Message: Hello! This is Example Carrier! We are entering Final Boarding for Flight XYZ to ABC City, DE, at Gate A123. Are you joining us onboard today? Respond with:
(1) Yes, within 5 min of the gate.
(2) Yes, but I'm in the loo. See you in 10 min.
(3) No, I'm in the loo, and its an absolute tragedy at the moment.
(STOP) To stop receiving any messages from Example Carrier.
Jan 28, 2022, 2:09 pm
#21
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 1,079
I can see how some folk might find it useful to get a call or text to remind them of the departing time for their flight and how they need to be at the gate. I, for one, feel capable of knowing when my flight departs and to make it to the gate on time without the outreach.
I can also see how the innocuous reminder may seem attractive so that you may have chance to let them know you are just around the corner or tied in security and that you'll be right there. Over time, I'm sure it'll be enhanced into the automated call or text that you'll be asked to confirm that you are still planning on making your flight and if you don't they'll go ahead and release your seat.
I can also see how the innocuous reminder may seem attractive so that you may have chance to let them know you are just around the corner or tied in security and that you'll be right there. Over time, I'm sure it'll be enhanced into the automated call or text that you'll be asked to confirm that you are still planning on making your flight and if you don't they'll go ahead and release your seat.
Jan 29, 2022, 1:22 am
#22
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: District of Columbia
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True, though the one time it happened to me, it showed up at "United Airlines" on the caller id on my cell phone - and since I knew I was flying United, I did answer the call.
Jan 29, 2022, 2:36 am
#23
Original Poster
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It's also a no-brainer for airlines to increasingly use text for changes/notifications/etc... as it provides good legal cover if there is ever a squabble over IRROPS/ID/gate change etc...for both parties. It is time stamped, and handy as more and more pax carry smartphones as dinosaurs stop travelling.
Seems like a clear yes-brainer.
Jan 29, 2022, 3:07 pm
#24
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
I can see how some folk might find it useful to get a call or text to remind them of the departing time for their flight and how they need to be at the gate. I, for one, feel capable of knowing when my flight departs and to make it to the gate on time without the outreach.
I can also see how the innocuous reminder may seem attractive so that you may have chance to let them know you are just around the corner or tied in security and that you'll be right there. Over time, I'm sure it'll be enhanced into the automated call or text that you'll be asked to confirm that you are still planning on making your flight and if you don't they'll go ahead and release your seat.
I can also see how the innocuous reminder may seem attractive so that you may have chance to let them know you are just around the corner or tied in security and that you'll be right there. Over time, I'm sure it'll be enhanced into the automated call or text that you'll be asked to confirm that you are still planning on making your flight and if you don't they'll go ahead and release your seat.
Jan 31, 2022, 1:48 am
#25
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I almost didn't answer a call last month. It came up as Continental Airlines. It was UA bag office at AUS calling to say my bags arrived. Was sure it was SPAM call then the💡 went off.
Jan 31, 2022, 8:14 am
#26
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: HSV
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Even though I’m a DM/MMer, Delta never calls me… for anything. They never send a Porsche, even on super-tight ATL A>F connections, so I get to board drenched in sweat. Delta hates me.
I’m basically the DL equivalent of Snufaluppagus.
Can someone please call me now? I need to feel special.
I’m basically the DL equivalent of Snufaluppagus.
Can someone please call me now? I need to feel special.
Jan 31, 2022, 8:50 am
#27
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 5,186
Even though I’m a DM/MMer, Delta never calls me… for anything. They never send a Porsche, even on super-tight ATL A>F connections, so I get to board drenched in sweat. Delta hates me.
I’m basically the DL equivalent of Snufaluppagus.
Can someone please call me now? I need to feel special.
I’m basically the DL equivalent of Snufaluppagus.
Can someone please call me now? I need to feel special.
Jan 31, 2022, 9:16 am
#28
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Dallas
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I had something similar happen to me on Delta at LGA awhile back. I will still in the lounge, getting ready to head to the gate, when the front desk paged me. When I approached them, they said everyone else had boarded my flight and I was the last passenger. I promptly headed down to the gate, jumped on, and we took off five minutes early.
Jan 31, 2022, 11:01 am
#29
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I had something similar happen to me on Delta at LGA awhile back. I will still in the lounge, getting ready to head to the gate, when the front desk paged me. When I approached them, they said everyone else had boarded my flight and I was the last passenger. I promptly headed down to the gate, jumped on, and we took off five minutes early.
It reminds me a bit of the PMNW period when connecting (but not originating passengers, who had presumably checked in at the airport in question) were asked to confirm their seats with a WC agent when entering. Sometimes folks would be called to the desk by name during IROPs for rebooking alternatives. Even earlier, airline lounges had a list on a clipboard where one would sign in (name and flight number, plus number of guests IIRC) after showing entry credentials. I think we also were asked to sign a list in the small unstaffed DL lounges.
Feb 3, 2022, 12:24 am
#30
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It's also a no-brainer for airlines to increasingly use text for changes/notifications/etc... as it provides good legal cover if there is ever a squabble over IRROPS/ID/gate change etc...for both parties. It is time stamped, and handy as more and more pax carry smartphones as dinosaurs stop travelling.
Right, so, how exactly does that work for legal? The phone number provided at booking is required to be mobile, accept text messages, and accept the incoming charges? And one has a legal obligation to monitor the incoming text messages, let alone even have the phone on?
Seems like a clear yes-brainer.
Seems like a clear yes-brainer.
I was going to give you my own explanation, but this one sentence from Wikipedia sums it up quite well. "SMS message delivery is not guaranteed, and many implementations provide no mechanism through which a sender can determine whether an SMS message has been delivered in a timely manner."
Yep. When I see a number I don't recognize, and doesn't instantly pop up a business name, I click "Screen Call" on my Pixel.