One VERY unhappy dog owner on AE...I can't blame him
#16
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
#17
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 805
I have no problem with AE not accepting the dog but shouldn't the agent who checked the family in have known about this? If it had been taken care of at check in, there wouldn't have been the scene on the plane and the other passengers would not have been inconvenienced. The Marine would have been able to change his plans at that time (since he didn't review the website for information).
That's my only issue with the situation.
That's my only issue with the situation.
#18
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
#19
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 805
#20
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Ex Platinum & 1MM, DL PLT, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,490
Though a regular poster on FT, when I had to move 2 yrs ago, in March, w/my furpeople I took the time to look up the rules before figuring out the best way to move them w/the least amount of stress to human & furpeople. In my opinion, regardless of what the weather may have been @ time of check-in, flying in January (or March) thru any city north of the Mason-Dixon line is a nearly sure bet for temps below 45 @ some point; betting on anything different is just stupid.
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: EXP
Posts: 412
Btw, as an Army vet myself, the term TS Card is unfamiliar to me, unless the T in TS stands for "tough" and the S stands for...well you know...and even then it doesn't make all that much sense. So for the non-vets and Army/Air Force vets, perhaps someone could define the term.
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Being a member of the USMC for 8 years, you would think he would know how to follow rules or at least know what they are. Hell, it wasn't even Nov 10, so no birthday present would be due. Following rules is something that should have been learned in his life well before entering MCRD. When transporting dogs, especially during summer and winter, you need to know what the rules are.
TMOliver.... Having been a sailor (Operations Specialist) I loved the "Dog Watch" connection.
Whether he knew the rules or not, he had NO right bringing up the Marine nonsense. It is not relative to the issue.
TMOliver.... Having been a sailor (Operations Specialist) I loved the "Dog Watch" connection.
Whether he knew the rules or not, he had NO right bringing up the Marine nonsense. It is not relative to the issue.
#23
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
But while I do agree that agents should certainly know the rules, I don't agree that an agent's apparent lack of knowledge absolves the dog owners of their responsibility for also knowing the rules.
It's not impossible; I've booked connections at DCA several times. While I probably am nuts, I don't think connecting at DCA constitutes proof. I've seen far nuttier routing in the MR forum.
#24
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
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One AA employee missing out on a specific rule is not enough to excuse the owner. Maybe the employee didn't realize they were supposed to check the expected temperature at the connecting airport. The rule still exists. The AA employee isn't going to be the one missing their flight. Either way, it has nothing to do with the rant about AA treats an 8 year Marine veteran any more than it would have anything to do with a 90 year old blind, crippled, and pregnant lady, if she had to miss the flight for that reason.
#25
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 6,329
TM Oliver
As (another) ex-Navy guy.. also with a lot more than 8 years!.. I've got to say I love that TS line! Good one!
I'll need to modify it for Aussie usage a bit..... but that won't be hard!
P.S. Was that First Dog , Last Dog or any time in "the Dogs"?
As (another) ex-Navy guy.. also with a lot more than 8 years!.. I've got to say I love that TS line! Good one!
I'll need to modify it for Aussie usage a bit..... but that won't be hard!
P.S. Was that First Dog , Last Dog or any time in "the Dogs"?
#26
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 50,968
I'm pretty certain this was personal travel for them. Definitely not change in duty station to overseas. It's highly doubtful you'd be traveling with wife/gf AND personal pet because armed forces wouldn't allow either (although there might be some duty stations where you could do that, like embassy duty in Ottawa, etc). I'd imagine even in situations like that, there would be tons of paperwork for the dog, maybe even quarantines depending on location.
It could've been their return flight from a duty station overseas as well.
#28
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#29
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: EXP
Posts: 412
Unless it's absolutely the ONLY way to get where you're going on AA due to WX, cancellations, overbooking, whatever, anyone connecting on AA at DCA (esp using AE) is in serious need of some basic FF education. OTOH, if you're a masochist who enjoys rock hard seats on jungle jets which usually offer minimal service and late departures and arrivals, then go for it.
#30
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
I don't believe DCA is unique in those areas. It sounds like business as usual on AE flights from most airports.