Terrible Flight - Compensation offered is a joke
Jan 26, 2020, 3:02 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 5,851
Terrible Flight - Compensation offered is a joke
I redeemed a large chunk of miles for a first class flight from LAX to SIN. The LAX-NRT leg was laughably bad. Power went out somewhere in the first half of the flight. I woke up to a child playing her private iPad loudly and when I asked the FAs what the heck was going on, they said the IFE was out due to a power failure. Seats wouldn't recline either obviously as the power buttons were out. No running water in the bathroom. The power never came back during the flight so I was basically staring out my window waiting to land (5 hours or so).
Here is the kicker.. I was given vouchers worth 400 SGD that can be used on Krisflyer shopping catalogue. After leaving the plane, I was handed a letter of apology and a "gift" as an apology. That gift was a universal charger.
Nice try Singapore, nice try.
Here is the kicker.. I was given vouchers worth 400 SGD that can be used on Krisflyer shopping catalogue. After leaving the plane, I was handed a letter of apology and a "gift" as an apology. That gift was a universal charger.
Nice try Singapore, nice try.
Jan 26, 2020, 3:27 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Don't know....
Programs: BA LTG, SQ TPPS, CX DMP, AA EXP, Bonvoy LTT, ALL PLT, Hilton DM
Posts: 4,008
I redeemed a large chunk of miles for a first class flight from LAX to SIN. The LAX-NRT leg was laughably bad. Power went out somewhere in the first half of the flight. I woke up to a child playing her private iPad loudly and when I asked the FAs what the heck was going on, they said the IFE was out due to a power failure. Seats wouldn't recline either obviously as the power buttons were out. No running water in the bathroom. The power never came back during the flight so I was basically staring out my window waiting to land (5 hours or so).
Here is the kicker.. I was given vouchers worth 400 SGD that can be used on Krisflyer shopping catalogue. After leaving the plane, I was handed a letter of apology and a "gift" as an apology. That gift was a universal charger.
Nice try Singapore, nice try.
Here is the kicker.. I was given vouchers worth 400 SGD that can be used on Krisflyer shopping catalogue. After leaving the plane, I was handed a letter of apology and a "gift" as an apology. That gift was a universal charger.
Nice try Singapore, nice try.
Jan 26, 2020, 3:29 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 5,851
Jan 26, 2020, 8:41 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 654
The reality is the air and ground crew upon landing can only do so much in terms of compensation. They have everyone else on the plane to deal with too.
Yes the experience was bad but the only way you’ll get more in terms of compensation is to call up SQ directly and ask to speak with the KF management.
You’ll probably have more luck this way but if you remain quiet on that front, they will assume you are ok with what you were given.
Assuming you haven’t tried this method yet of course.
Yes the experience was bad but the only way you’ll get more in terms of compensation is to call up SQ directly and ask to speak with the KF management.
You’ll probably have more luck this way but if you remain quiet on that front, they will assume you are ok with what you were given.
Assuming you haven’t tried this method yet of course.
Last edited by Mlee888; Jan 26, 2020 at 11:08 am
Jan 26, 2020, 9:19 am
#7
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,276
So for those in Y, full refunds due to IFE down?
Jan 26, 2020, 10:21 am
#8
Suspended
Join Date: May 2019
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Posts: 974
Sense when is lax-nrt 18 hours. I love how people on FT love to take the side of the airline. OP please call singapore airlines and have a talk about this.
Jan 26, 2020, 10:45 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,276
Jan 26, 2020, 1:21 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
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Posts: 7,607
No, there are few flights of 18 hours, with Qantas LFK-SYD just flying in 19 hours. LAX SIN is 15 hours. 400 SGD and the charger (not sure if they are being ironic or helpful with that gift) seems reasonable.
Jan 26, 2020, 2:00 pm
#12
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OP - many here understand your frustration. And I can say that no one disagrees that you deserve compensation. However, there are something you should keep in mind:
1. Your situation is not a statutory compensatable event (i.e. required by law). So how much and what you can get depends on the airline. You have no saying on this unless a choice is given.
2. Airlines generally tier compensation or any form of goodwill gesture based on fare classes and/or your elite status. Sorry to say, given you flew on award, this will significantly impact your "bargaining" power, even you suppose to have none.
3. Outside the U.S., airlines are not keen to compensate. This is especially true with Asian airlines.
Bottom line - you have no negotiation power. So whatever you are given is basically final. Of course you can ask for more. But it is up to the airline to comply.
1. Your situation is not a statutory compensatable event (i.e. required by law). So how much and what you can get depends on the airline. You have no saying on this unless a choice is given.
2. Airlines generally tier compensation or any form of goodwill gesture based on fare classes and/or your elite status. Sorry to say, given you flew on award, this will significantly impact your "bargaining" power, even you suppose to have none.
3. Outside the U.S., airlines are not keen to compensate. This is especially true with Asian airlines.
Bottom line - you have no negotiation power. So whatever you are given is basically final. Of course you can ask for more. But it is up to the airline to comply.
Jan 26, 2020, 2:26 pm
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 5,851
I will take the advice offered by several here and give SQ a call and see what can be worked out. Honestly, the vouchers they gave me that have to be used on Krisflyer shop or catalogue is what really triggered me. That is an absolute joke for comp.
Jan 26, 2020, 3:02 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: MM, Krisflyer, QFF, VFF
Posts: 441
A voucher for a limited range of overpriced items? No thanks either. A credit off future travel would be better. What % of the ticket value you'll need to decide. ~15-20% sounds reasonable.