This past week on TWA has had to be one of the worst I ever experienced. It started Monday on a short flight from STL to Champaign,IL. My bags were lost and I had to wait 30 minutes before anyone showed up to process a claim. Since it is such a small airport,the people at the check-in desk do everything. Once my flight landed, they stay at the gate and boarded the flight for the turn around flight. I had to wait until the flight took off to report my lost bag. On the return to STL, my flight was delayed an hour. Friday I flew from STL to Tampa. My flight was delayed 1 1/2 hours and again my bags lost. I flew first class and had my bags tagged accordingly, but no luck. Two trip in one week and bags lost both times on direct flights. I had a tee time on Sat morning at 7:30am and I was told my bags would be delivered by 5:00am to my hotel since a flight did arrive around 2:00am. No luck! I actually had to drive the 1 1/4 hours to pick up my bags myself. I got alot of lip from the TWA people as well. It seems to me that just don't care anymore. So much for being a preferred flier.

You sound angry, and I would be too after such an experience. That being said, did you expect the TW flight out of Champaign to wait for you? They only have a few people at that station, so as you said, those few people have to do everything.

Think of what's going on at TW this way: the company is in mourning. Give 'em a little slack (ok, a lot of slack: no excuse for lost luggage). Perhaps write a letter to your local agent saying, "I have been a preffered customer for so long, and it hurts me to see what is happening with the airline. I can only immagine how you are feeling as well."

[This message has been edited by zrs70 (edited 02-12-2001).]

I've flown TWA 3 times in the last 5 days - and no new February magazine. Have they just given up?

I noticed that as well. They are cutting back. No offering of a drink before take off in first as well. It then took 45 minutes into flight to have them come around and ask what we wanted. The food was terrible as well.

Hmmm-
I also found it odd not to have any new aviators promotions or newsletters since dec '00. Wouldn't it be nice to get some bonus miles in before we have to turn them into Aadvantage miles (I hope).

Sorry to hear about your crummy service. Last week I posted a topic about TWO service, it seems that others have having good luck.

I was amazed at how excellent the gate agents/ticketing people are in Seattle. I mourned the loss of the CTO in Seattle, but have found good folks to deal with at the airport.

I have had BETTER service over the past month - and I have flown about 20 segments in that time. Difficulty in STL last Fri with the weather - but got handled ok.

Yes, Ambassador Club repr. said no more magazines - not a big loss in my opinion. And don't expect new schedules, etc. But I have had preflight drinks (water and juice). No almonds on one of flights. But personnel are better than ever, IMHO.

On TW Express - expect the worst. They are often late, cancel flights for no reason (only a couple of passengers), understaffed (expected at locations with 5-6 flights per day), and like many small carriers, do not offer good service. However in towns where both Express and regular TWA flight occur - the agents seem much better.

I would be upset also with your situation. Call or write Avaitors and maybe give you some extra miles.