Is this normal for TK?
Jul 24, 2012 | 5:34 am
#1
Original Poster
formerly MNLGuy
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: ONT
Programs: UAGold/MM DL AA
Posts: 328
Is this normal for TK?
Is this what a #1 airline does? The last couple of months have been all TK (for a variety of reasons). My past experiences with TK had been reasonable... but so far I'm 0-for-4 with them on checkin days... Nothing goes smoothly... Tell me if this is normal, or if it's just real bad luck...
Thanks!
1. LAX-IST-KBP. Delayed leaving LAX, had 45 minutes to connect in IST, but with no escort or facilitation missed the flight by less than 10 minutes. Arrived in KBP 14 hours late (they did pay for the hotel). Took me 2 1/2 hours from when I landed to get to the hotel. Many others in
2. KBP-IST-ADD. TK ticket all the way, first segment a codeshare operated by AeroSvit. Arrived 2 hours late, having missed connection. Eventually rerouted IST-ADD-KRT. My booking was split into two records (nobody told me), and they changed the IST-LAX return by more than a month without informing me.
3. LUN-ADD-IST-VIE. TK codeshare for LUN-ADD operated by ET. ET cannot check me in. In ADD, there is no transfer desk available for TK. Eventually, with the help of the lounge people, I get the boarding passes, which say I have no bags and are not for the seats I requested. We eventually correct the seats, but the BP still says no bags, but the staff say they have my bag. We arrive an hour late in IST, and park in the back lot and are bused in. No assistance, and by running I make my connection to VIE. 4 days later Im still waiting for the bag. No update from anybody in 4 days. I have written because they messed up the date of the ADD-IST flight, but no response.
4. VIE-IST-BKK. Arrived early at the airport (was done in town). Was told that I would have a tight connection in IST, but that I would have to pay 100 Euro to change to the earlier flight. Talked to the ticket office and when for an instant I raised my voice he picked up the phone and started to call the police and told me to leave or be arrested.
Ive written TK customer (dis)service a couple of times, and Ive essentially been told to tough it, that theyve done what they have to do (possibly true legally). I grant you that I have not flown European airlines much recently, but if this is the #1 European airline, Im glad to not fly on #2 or #3. Even US airlines are better at handling customer service than this.
What am I missing and yes, I am *Gold (UA).
Thanks!
1. LAX-IST-KBP. Delayed leaving LAX, had 45 minutes to connect in IST, but with no escort or facilitation missed the flight by less than 10 minutes. Arrived in KBP 14 hours late (they did pay for the hotel). Took me 2 1/2 hours from when I landed to get to the hotel. Many others in
2. KBP-IST-ADD. TK ticket all the way, first segment a codeshare operated by AeroSvit. Arrived 2 hours late, having missed connection. Eventually rerouted IST-ADD-KRT. My booking was split into two records (nobody told me), and they changed the IST-LAX return by more than a month without informing me.
3. LUN-ADD-IST-VIE. TK codeshare for LUN-ADD operated by ET. ET cannot check me in. In ADD, there is no transfer desk available for TK. Eventually, with the help of the lounge people, I get the boarding passes, which say I have no bags and are not for the seats I requested. We eventually correct the seats, but the BP still says no bags, but the staff say they have my bag. We arrive an hour late in IST, and park in the back lot and are bused in. No assistance, and by running I make my connection to VIE. 4 days later Im still waiting for the bag. No update from anybody in 4 days. I have written because they messed up the date of the ADD-IST flight, but no response.
4. VIE-IST-BKK. Arrived early at the airport (was done in town). Was told that I would have a tight connection in IST, but that I would have to pay 100 Euro to change to the earlier flight. Talked to the ticket office and when for an instant I raised my voice he picked up the phone and started to call the police and told me to leave or be arrested.
Ive written TK customer (dis)service a couple of times, and Ive essentially been told to tough it, that theyve done what they have to do (possibly true legally). I grant you that I have not flown European airlines much recently, but if this is the #1 European airline, Im glad to not fly on #2 or #3. Even US airlines are better at handling customer service than this.
What am I missing and yes, I am *Gold (UA).
Jul 24, 2012 | 5:41 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: AA Lifetime PLT , BA Silver , BD RIP , HH Gold, SPG / Marriott PLT , EF Subscriber
Posts: 6,733
Is this what a #1 airline does? The last couple of months have been all TK (for a variety of reasons). My past experiences with TK had been reasonable... but so far I'm 0-for-4 with them on checkin days... Nothing goes smoothly... Tell me if this is normal, or if it's just real bad luck...
Thanks!
1. LAX-IST-KBP. Delayed leaving LAX, had 45 minutes to connect in IST, but with no escort or facilitation missed the flight by less than 10 minutes. Arrived in KBP 14 hours late (they did pay for the hotel). Took me 2 1/2 hours from when I landed to get to the hotel. Many others in
2. KBP-IST-ADD. TK ticket all the way, first segment a codeshare operated by AeroSvit. Arrived 2 hours late, having missed connection. Eventually rerouted IST-ADD-KRT. My booking was split into two records (nobody told me), and they changed the IST-LAX return by more than a month without informing me.
3. LUN-ADD-IST-VIE. TK codeshare for LUN-ADD operated by ET. ET cannot check me in. In ADD, there is no transfer desk available for TK. Eventually, with the help of the lounge people, I get the boarding passes, which say I have no bags and are not for the seats I requested. We eventually correct the seats, but the BP still says no bags, but the staff say they have my bag. We arrive an hour late in IST, and park in the back lot and are bused in. No assistance, and by running I make my connection to VIE. 4 days later I’m still waiting for the bag. No update from anybody in 4 days. I have written because they messed up the date of the ADD-IST flight, but no response.
4. VIE-IST-BKK. Arrived early at the airport (was done in town). Was told that I would have a tight connection in IST, but that I would have to pay 100 Euro to change to the earlier flight. Talked to the ticket office and when for an instant I raised my voice he picked up the phone and started to call the police and told me to leave or be arrested.
I’ve written TK customer (dis)service a couple of times, and I’ve essentially been told to tough it, that they’ve done what they have to do (possibly true legally). I grant you that I have not flown European airlines much recently, but if this is the #1 European airline, I’m glad to not fly on #2 or #3. Even US airlines are better at handling customer service than this.
What am I missing… and yes, I am *Gold (UA).
Thanks!
1. LAX-IST-KBP. Delayed leaving LAX, had 45 minutes to connect in IST, but with no escort or facilitation missed the flight by less than 10 minutes. Arrived in KBP 14 hours late (they did pay for the hotel). Took me 2 1/2 hours from when I landed to get to the hotel. Many others in
2. KBP-IST-ADD. TK ticket all the way, first segment a codeshare operated by AeroSvit. Arrived 2 hours late, having missed connection. Eventually rerouted IST-ADD-KRT. My booking was split into two records (nobody told me), and they changed the IST-LAX return by more than a month without informing me.
3. LUN-ADD-IST-VIE. TK codeshare for LUN-ADD operated by ET. ET cannot check me in. In ADD, there is no transfer desk available for TK. Eventually, with the help of the lounge people, I get the boarding passes, which say I have no bags and are not for the seats I requested. We eventually correct the seats, but the BP still says no bags, but the staff say they have my bag. We arrive an hour late in IST, and park in the back lot and are bused in. No assistance, and by running I make my connection to VIE. 4 days later I’m still waiting for the bag. No update from anybody in 4 days. I have written because they messed up the date of the ADD-IST flight, but no response.
4. VIE-IST-BKK. Arrived early at the airport (was done in town). Was told that I would have a tight connection in IST, but that I would have to pay 100 Euro to change to the earlier flight. Talked to the ticket office and when for an instant I raised my voice he picked up the phone and started to call the police and told me to leave or be arrested.
I’ve written TK customer (dis)service a couple of times, and I’ve essentially been told to tough it, that they’ve done what they have to do (possibly true legally). I grant you that I have not flown European airlines much recently, but if this is the #1 European airline, I’m glad to not fly on #2 or #3. Even US airlines are better at handling customer service than this.
What am I missing… and yes, I am *Gold (UA).
Last edited by UncleDude; Jul 24, 2012 at 5:47 am
Jul 24, 2012 | 5:48 am
#3
Original Poster
formerly MNLGuy
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: ONT
Programs: UAGold/MM DL AA
Posts: 328
I do have travel insurance... does Amex pay you when you arrive late? Or only expenses? And no insurance fixes lousy attitudes and screwups which take time to fix...
Jul 24, 2012 | 6:48 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 926
Well, TK is like Jekyll and Hyde
Usually, Jekyll, in the air and when everything goes according to schedule; Hyde, more often on the ground and when there are IRROPS.
However, you seem to have had bad luck. I haven't had to endure anything similar to your experience with TK for quite a while now.
As to TK being the best airline in Europe; I still believe that they have loads to improve regarding ground/customer service.
Usually, Jekyll, in the air and when everything goes according to schedule; Hyde, more often on the ground and when there are IRROPS.However, you seem to have had bad luck. I haven't had to endure anything similar to your experience with TK for quite a while now.
As to TK being the best airline in Europe; I still believe that they have loads to improve regarding ground/customer service.