Now the airlines won't even answer the phones
Oct 6, 2001 | 7:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: RSW TPA FLL MIA
Programs: DL PM, SW, Hilton, , UAL PM, AA Gold-skeptic
Posts: 1,664
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.
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.
Oct 7, 2001 | 3:38 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Grantville, GA.
Posts: 18
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by rrz518:
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.</font>
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.</font>
BTW - Howdy, neighbor...
best,
jbd
Oct 7, 2001 | 4:06 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2000
Programs: UA 1PMM,AAG; usedtobeelite
Posts: 2,500
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).]
[This message has been edited by Warrenlm (edited 10-07-2001).]
Oct 7, 2001 | 8:24 am
#6
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Rochester, NY USA
Programs: Hilton - Diamond, IHG - Platinum
Posts: 1,433
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!
Oct 7, 2001 | 9:30 am
#7
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
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.
Oct 7, 2001 | 10:20 am
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Diamond; Marriott Bonvoy - Platinum
Posts: 14,288
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by rrz518:
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.</font>
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.</font>
I had no problem recently re-booking cancelled flights on DL via the Medallion desk.
Oct 29, 2001 | 11:40 am
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
Oct 30, 2001 | 1:42 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: MCI ** UA Silver, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,297
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. :-)