dr88

Please update us when you get a copy and paste response!

Bikeguy

The definition of insanity- To keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results.

For me, this fare was a learning experience. I will use OTAs that have a 24 hour cancel rule in the future, and never book on AA.

And that the DOT is useless, has no teeth and will let people wait months before they let those that complained know that their teeth are no where to be found.

And that the C product on AA is so old there is a Tetris game in their video package.

miffSC

And this is why a Like button is needed at times.

PaceLaw2012

Nothing wrong with Tetris :-D

FriendlySkies

Just received an email from AA CS, supposedly CC'd to the DoT. Neither of the options they propose will earn AAdvantage miles.


Option 1: $1,500 off a round-trip J ticket to PEK/PVG from DCA (the same airport the original ticket began from). No upgrades, must be ticketed immediately.

Option 2: Y ticket with $0 fare basic, taxes and fees of $450~. Must be booked in O/Q. Again, no upgrades, must be ticketed immediately and won't earn any miles...

keitherson

So done with you, AA.

cliburn

Well it was going to be over anyways once they change AAdvantage....

moondog

Aa's view seems to tacitly acknowledge that its 24 hour hold policy is meaningless. Perhaps, it's time for them to jump on the 24 hour refund bandwagon?

Xyzzy

Did only people who complained to DOT get this offer? If so, it seems that AA is actually encouraging people to file with the DOT if and when they make a mistake in the future.

moondog

If I were in your shoes, I'd convey the following:

1. Reject the offer
2. Call them out on
A. "In our view" is meaningles
B. Their 24 hour hold policy does not contain provisions for "obvious errors"
3. State that you will continue to pursue this matter
4. 300 word maximum, and use bullet points
5. Cc dot

In light of the fact that AA appears to have sufficiently removed the DOT from the equation, I'm guessing they will win in the end, but they will surely improve on that initial offer just to put this issue to bed. Every lawyer hour they spend on this cuts into their bottom line.

adschnei

I just got the same email response. Neither are options I plan to take advantage of... It only took 6+ months for them to respond! lol

Chicago Sailor

I also received this response. I don't see AA's angle on this - it doesn't comply with their policy or the DOT requirement. I plan to reject it and raise the matter to the DOT again.

ninegoodthings

FriendlySkys you've misread the email - these tickets MAY be ticketed immediately, and MUST be ticketed within six weeks of the letter.

Everybody keep in mind - now that AA has issued this response, the DOT will review it.

From my original DOT response:

I am going to respond to AA and let them know that I will be waiting for the DOT's response, and only at that point will I consider their offer (which I will reject if the DOT does not force them to change it).

EDIT: The text of my response, please feel free to copy it

Hello XXXXX,

Thank you for sending this over.

As you know, per the DOT complaint process, this response will need to be reviewed by DOT staff. In the case of my complaint this is XXXXX XXXXX, who I have added on CC. I will not evaluate your letter until he is able to review it, and will consider "the date of this letter" (in "six weeks of the date of this letter") to indicate the date of his response.

As you also know, it was
223 days ago that I put my XXX-XXX ticket on "24-hour guaranteed hold"
222 days ago that I attempted to purchase the XXX-XXX ticket
221 days ago that I filed the complaint with the DOT that you are responding to

Since then I have traveled to China. There is a reason that DOT regulations require an airline response within 60 days of complaint: it is to ensure that travelers are promptly and properly compensated in the event their chosen airline is found to be in violation of those same regulations.

The issue of the held ticket aside, I am very disappointed by how long this response has taken.

I will send an update once I have a response from XXXXX.

Thank you,

XXXXX

keitherson

AA right now is basically like what UA was: an incredibly mediocre airline with an amazing FFP to balance it out. Then 2014, UA gutted their FFP. 2016 will probably be AA's turn.

cmd320

Received the same offer and agree it's ridiculous. It addresses nothing and is clearly a garbage response AA has come up with in order to minimize its own risk while dismissing the problem. Furthermore, it takes them six months to respond and I'm expected to make a decision in six weeks? Absolutely not.

I am rejecting this offer and demanding a proper response from the DOT on this issue.