Now the airlines won't even answer the phones
 

In spite of continuing to resume "normal" operations, some greedy carriers have simply abandonded answering their telephones.

In the past week, I have needed to contact TWA, AA and DL, while on the road, from my cellphone.

All three have basically the same strategy: "If you want to check a flight, book a ticket, etc. visit our website. For all other calls, all agents are busy. Try back later". Click.

Am I being selfish by wanting to speak with these people? Particularly, when I was stuck at a connecting airport, and the agents were gone?

This seems to be the indication that customer service is simply an option.

I have had similar problems, elen using the "elite" phone numbers...

I've used the executive desk at AA about 12-15 times in the last 3-4 days and no problem there.

Had this problem with Delta just last week trying to get my kid down here AVL-FLL...took five trys - on hold for 30 min and longer to get a human. I almost humped the five miles to FLL to deal with it in person.

BTW - Howdy, neighbor...

best,
jbd

When I get a busy signal or a long hold, I try to remember there are lots of callers right now and the airlines have furloughed 20% of their employees trying to remain solvent.

[This message has been edited by Warrenlm (edited 10-07-2001).]

I called United' Mileage Plus number on Saturday morning to check on an upcoming flight(s) involving MP upgrades. The call was answered on the first ring!

tried to get aadvantage customer service a couple of times last week- finally got thru prompts to # for a person & got "call back later. then was answered & served immediately when xfered from exp agent.

Greedy? I wouldn't put it that way. Overworked would be a better description.
I had no problem recently re-booking cancelled flights on DL via the Medallion desk.

Despite the problems with travel agents, there are obviously times when they can be helpful. This may be one of them.

Please also see:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/005499.html

I had exactly the same experience with TWA last week around 7:30pm CST. I tried for about 30 minutes off and on with my cell to reach them, getting dumped each time. I'd have been happy to use a local agent, except that I was in CLE's D-concourse which is a good mile hike for anything other than a CO agent. :-)