Airlines

[Compressor]

Dear friends:

I just came back from Diving some of the florida springs. I wanted to alert all that with the airlines industry in a sad state of affairs, they will charge you for itmes that we took for granted in the past. Both my friend and I were charged $80 for carrying masks and snorkels in our suitcases. They asked what was in our suitcases and being honest friend said diving equipment. "Oh NO we do not carry that normally; we need to charge you $80."

Turning over to me where my bags were already checked by another agent, she asked if I was carrying scuba equipment. Not looking like a typical person from the US, and being honest, I said yes. Oh well give me your ticket and you will have to pay the surcharge.
I stated that I only had a snorkel and mask. She did not care.


Airline in question: US Airways.

By the way:

My bags were legal size; one was 30 pounds and the other 50.

 

[cyklon_300]

the airlines are in dire financial situation (especially UAL) and are looking for any way to gig passengers for more dough.

I would lie in the future...'my bag's contents? oh just some dirty gym clothes and underwear, you can check it if you like...'

Delta does this crap, too...makes it easier to pick which airline to use..

 

[Tavi]

On our last trip we took 4 bags 50-70 lbs each. Clothing and scuba gear. When asked what was in them, we told them. No problems, no extra charges!

Our regs were looked at, we had them in a carry-on.

We flew with Air-Tran

 

[Compressor]

I have been diving for 18 years and travel atleast 3x a year. This has never happened until now.

 

[Tavi]

We have found that, complaining there, does no good.
but! we always call and complain after we get home. We usually recieve vouchers good for discounts on future flights. We have done this with 2 airlines.

I would drather have the flights with nothing to complain about.
Our last trip was our best yet!!

Call,
they don't know how much it will affect their future business unless you tell them.

 

[Compressor]

Good point Tavi; Thanks

 

[metridium]

Continental doesn't charge for dive gear - aside from tanks - and they serve many popular dive markets in the Caribbean, Mexico, and northern Pacific.

 

[raxafarian]

don't call.... or just call to find out who you should send a complaint to.

Then MAIL it. All airlines should have a 'complaint' department... Send them a letter describing the trouble(s) you had and how you will find it hard to use their airline in the future if this is how you are going to be treated. Make sure to mention that what they called "diving gear" was just a mask and snorkel.... NO TANKS, and was within weight limits.

A well written letter tends to not be ignored as easily as a phone call.

 

[Compressor]

Good Point. this is why I love this board.

 

[Tavi]

raxafarian once bubbled...
don't call.... or just call to find out who you should send a complaint to.

Then MAIL it.

A well written letter tends to not be ignored as easily as a phone call.

I don't know about mail. I can say our phone calls have never been ignored!! we start with "who am I speaking with? who is your supervisor? how do I contact them?" Then "here is my problem.........."

We usually are satisfied by the end of the call and recieve something in the mail within 2 weeks.