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US Airways Complaint - Mistreated, Harassed and Assaulted by a Flight Attendant
Complaint
I am writing this in total disbelief. I hope US Airways will understand the gravity of what I am about to recount and take the appropriate measures to make it right.
This abuse needs to end and by bringing this story out in the open, hopefully airlines will start taking responsibility for their declining customer service, allowing passengers and paying customers to stop feeling mistreated and harassed by airline employees.
I am a 30 year old female executive who travels every week all across and outside of the country, nationally mainly on US leading airlines, internationally or whenever I can on Asian airlines who are among the few that still have incredible service.
I still remember back in the 90s when flying was a fun and glamorous experience… When flight attendants would remember that a large part of their job description is to serve the customer, and where one received the service that is expected in a first world country and the land of “the customer comes first”.
I am sure many of you have experienced the change…. Service has been declining, customer service has gone down to the bare minimum and passengers often find themselves dealing with rude check in representatives, airport personnel, gate agents and, worse of all, flight attendants.
In the past few years, these unacceptable experiences have become the routine, and the people I happen to talk to seem to have given up to the idea that this is how it is, and that the airline industries decline (USAirways’ in particular) is just at the beginning stages. I constantly witness passengers getting yelled at, or being mistreated for taking too long in putting away their bag in the overhead bin, or treated rudely for requesting something during the flight. The sad thing is that this is something that by now, we are all used to and expect when we fly … unfortunately.
But yesterday, I had the most unbelievable experience of all. USAIRWAYS shame on you! I was traveling to Saint Louis on a US Airways evening flight. I travel US Airways multiple times a week because of its convenient flight schedules from Miami. Because of my loyalty and the many flights I take every month, I have received a Preferred Status and am often upgraded to first class… Not that I would expect this to mean something, but it makes the whole experience even more scandalous.
I was waiting to board the plane, where I was assigned the very first seat to the right as you walk in the cabin. I was on the phone with my CEO discussing an important meeting we had that day. As I walk into the plane, I hear a flight attendant scream to me in a rude and demeaning way “YOUR BAG IS TOO BIG (which it isn’t, as it is a standard carry on size)”… Being on the phone I did not realize the screaming was directed at me, so, as we are instructed to do, I went ahead to open the overhead compartment immediately on top of my seat. Here, plenty of space to put my bag as the compartment was completely empty with the exception of a small black bag. As I am about to push the black bag to the side to fit my carry on, the same flight attendant roughly GRABS MY ARM and yelling again says “DO NOT DARE TOUCH MY BAG!” Still on the phone and in disbelief I respond that I had no idea the bag was hers and that all I was trying to do was place my suitcase in the bin assigned to my seat. At that, with the same tone, she responds “YOU HAVE TO GO ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK OF THE PLANE” (which seemed unnecessary since the plane was half empty and there were plenty of empty bins between the first class cabin and the end of the plane.) Since I had people behind me who were trying to board the plane, and since I was assigned the first seat at the front of the plane that has plenty of extra space and leg room, I pulled to the side with my suitcase, allowing people to make their way to their seat instead of slowing down the boarding process… Another shout “MA’AM YOU CANNOT STAND THERE WITH YOUR BAG, IT NEEDS TO GO IN THE OVERHEAD!!!! IN THE OVERHEAD I SAID! GO TO THE BACK OF THE PLANE!!!” At which I responded that I was just waiting for the passengers to board so I would not block the entry way and made my way to the middle of the plane where a much more professional flight attendant smiled at me and helped me store my bag.
Displeased by the discourtesy and approach of the flight attendant (who should help make the passengers’ experience a positive one), I decided to ask for her name so I could file a complaint as soon as I arrived in Saint Louis. Enough is enough! And I also figured that if passengers start taking the time to report these incidents, the flying experience might improve for passengers all across the country. After all, I wouldn’t expect US Airways to be able to fix what they don’t know is broken.
The flight attendant did not like the idea of being reprimanded. So, a few minutes later, while I am sitting down reading my new book, she asks me to deboard the plane. “MA’AM STEP OFF THE PLANE!”, “May I ask why?” I replied.
“DO YOU WANT TO FLY TODAY OR NOT? she said, with her unlikable manner. At which of course, I said yes. “THEN STEP OFF SO THE GATE AGENT CAN HAVE A WORD WITH YOU.” “No problem, I said, I would like a word with him too.”
The gate agent (who then I found out might have been the pilot) asked me what had happened. I explained and he apologized profusely for the experience, suggesting I report the incident and writing for me on a piece of paper the information about the flight so I could file a complaint. Throughout this process the flight attendant was standing close, worried, and raising her voice while trying to plead her case by denying what had happened.
I thanked the pilot for his concern and apologies, and took my seat. The pilot then pulled the flight attendant aside and explained to her that such behavior is unacceptable. She started making up lies and blaming everything on me saying that I was the one with the problem and again denying the entire incident. Compelled to clarify my side of the story and EXHAUSTED from having to experience such lack of class and professionalism, I got close again and reiterated that such behavior is unacceptable and that if in my line of business if I dared to treat customers half as bad as she had treated me (and others, I am sure) I would have gotten fired a long time ago. The pilot once again apologized, told me I had every right to complain. At that point, glad I had at least had a chance to voice my mind; I sat back in my seat.
The moment the pilot locked the cockpit door, the flight attendant started harassing me and walking down the aisle pleading passengers to please sign a petition against me to help her keep her job.
To my disbelief, a couple of bored passengers who hadn’t even witnessed the incident as they had not boarded the plane yet when it occurred, found it amusing to team up with the flight attendant and support her mobbing.
Although this made me uncomfortable (after all the flight attendant was walking around soliciting passengers against me and harassing and laughing at me together with the rest of the crew), I kept reading my book… “It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile” I was taught.
The harassing however did not stop. Feeling extremely frustrated and uncomfortable, and also determined to make a point -- as I don’t believe that a Premiere Member (or ANY PASSENGER FOR THAT MATTER) should ever have to go through such an implausible experience on a commercial airline -- stunned that a flight attendant instead of doing her job would walk around the isle soliciting and harassing passengers, I decided to take my bag and step off the plane. Something that I NEVER in my life have done or was put in the condition of considering before.
As I walk out, the same flight attendant starts clapping and cheering and the couple bored passengers tagged along. I WASH IN SHOCK!!!! I did nothing but exercise my right to be treated with courtesy and respect.
I want to clarify that I am in no way a rude person, anyone who knows or works with me will tell you that I do not go around mistreating people, I am very involved in charitable organizations and at no point throughout this incident, other than complaining and addressing my concerns, did I ever act out of line. Exercised a right, is more like it.
Anyways, returning to the gate I asked to be rebooked on the next flight (which happened to fly out the following morning). The supervisor, hearing the story, and herself in disbelief, asked me to please get back on the flight: “AS A CUSTOMER AND PREFERRED PASSENGER YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE ON THAT FLIGHT AND BE TREATED WITH COURTESY AND RESPECT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THIS IS NOT HOW WE TREAT OUR CUSTOMERS, I WILL ESCORT YOU IN THE PLANE MYSELF AND MAKE SURE THAT THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT IS TAKEN OFF THE FLIGHT SO THAT YOU CAN GET TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION WITH DIGNITY AND UNHARASSED. IF YOU GIVE UP THIS FLIGHT SHE WILL HAVE WON THE BATTLE AND THIS IS NOT THE MESSAGE WE WANT TO CONVEY…”
After thinking about it, I decided “why not” after all I had early meeting in St Louis the next day that I could not miss. The supervisor then asked me to wait at the gate while she talked to the crew.
After 10 minutes in the plane she walks out “I AM SO SORRY, BUT THE SITUATION HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED, SO WE WILL HAVE TO KEEP YOU ON TOMORROW’S FLIGHT”. “What do you mean has not been resolved?” I asked, at that point severely tired and surprised.
“WELL, THE PILOT SAID THAT HE IS NOT COMFORTABLE HAVING YOU AND THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT ON THE SAME PLANE, HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE FLIGHT ATTENDENT’S BEHAVIOR WAS OUT OF LINE AND UNACCEPTABLE, YOU STEPPING INTO THE CONVERSATION WHEN HE WAS TALKING TO HER COULD BE TAKEN AS A SIGN OF AGGRESSION (aggression??????)… AND SINCE THAT IS HIS SHIP AND HE ULTIMATELY DECIDES, HE FELT IT BETTER FOR YOU TO TAKE THE NEXT FLIGHT. I AM SO SORRY MISS, PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGIES ON BEHALF OF USAIRWAYS.” And she handed me piece of paper with www.usairways.com telling me to go online and file a report.
AGAIN, I AM SHOCKED. Not only was I treated with disrespect, harassed and bullied. But the flight attendant got away with it and ultimately I was denied reboarding on a plane I had left on my own accord. I cannot believe that US Airways would allow such behavior, and especially, even though at fault and after being reprimanded by her superiors, she would be allowed to go around soliciting passengers asking them to sign a paper to help her keep her job. And the clapping.
Yes, it is true that I stood up and spoke to the pilot expressing my unhappiness and complaining about the service, but in no way different than any of you would complain about poor service anywhere else. Also, last time I checked, the United States was a country that granted freedom of speech and freedom to express one’s own opinions. I guess that does not apply to US Airways.
I cannot believe that this incident would go unpunished and that the flight attendant would be able to make up stories, behave in such an unprofessional way, and ultimately get away with it.
I will make sure that anybody out there who had similar experiences or has been subject to crabbiness and lack of respect while flying US Airways, will speak up. This is ridiculous and needs to stop.
Last but not least, this ended up costing me over $300 dollars in Taxis and overnight stay as the earliest available flight was the following morning.
I am confident that US Airways, will realize the severity of this and take the approapriate measure to make it right.
Until then, I will never again fly US Airways and will make sure none of my employees and acquaintances do.
This abuse needs to end and by bringing this story out in the open, hopefully airlines will start taking responsibility for their declining customer service, allowing passengers and paying customers to stop feeling mistreated and harassed by airline employees.
I am a 30 year old female executive who travels every week all across and outside of the country, nationally mainly on US leading airlines, internationally or whenever I can on Asian airlines who are among the few that still have incredible service.
I still remember back in the 90s when flying was a fun and glamorous experience… When flight attendants would remember that a large part of their job description is to serve the customer, and where one received the service that is expected in a first world country and the land of “the customer comes first”.
I am sure many of you have experienced the change…. Service has been declining, customer service has gone down to the bare minimum and passengers often find themselves dealing with rude check in representatives, airport personnel, gate agents and, worse of all, flight attendants.
In the past few years, these unacceptable experiences have become the routine, and the people I happen to talk to seem to have given up to the idea that this is how it is, and that the airline industries decline (USAirways’ in particular) is just at the beginning stages. I constantly witness passengers getting yelled at, or being mistreated for taking too long in putting away their bag in the overhead bin, or treated rudely for requesting something during the flight. The sad thing is that this is something that by now, we are all used to and expect when we fly … unfortunately.
But yesterday, I had the most unbelievable experience of all. USAIRWAYS shame on you! I was traveling to Saint Louis on a US Airways evening flight. I travel US Airways multiple times a week because of its convenient flight schedules from Miami. Because of my loyalty and the many flights I take every month, I have received a Preferred Status and am often upgraded to first class… Not that I would expect this to mean something, but it makes the whole experience even more scandalous.
I was waiting to board the plane, where I was assigned the very first seat to the right as you walk in the cabin. I was on the phone with my CEO discussing an important meeting we had that day. As I walk into the plane, I hear a flight attendant scream to me in a rude and demeaning way “YOUR BAG IS TOO BIG (which it isn’t, as it is a standard carry on size)”… Being on the phone I did not realize the screaming was directed at me, so, as we are instructed to do, I went ahead to open the overhead compartment immediately on top of my seat. Here, plenty of space to put my bag as the compartment was completely empty with the exception of a small black bag. As I am about to push the black bag to the side to fit my carry on, the same flight attendant roughly GRABS MY ARM and yelling again says “DO NOT DARE TOUCH MY BAG!” Still on the phone and in disbelief I respond that I had no idea the bag was hers and that all I was trying to do was place my suitcase in the bin assigned to my seat. At that, with the same tone, she responds “YOU HAVE TO GO ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK OF THE PLANE” (which seemed unnecessary since the plane was half empty and there were plenty of empty bins between the first class cabin and the end of the plane.) Since I had people behind me who were trying to board the plane, and since I was assigned the first seat at the front of the plane that has plenty of extra space and leg room, I pulled to the side with my suitcase, allowing people to make their way to their seat instead of slowing down the boarding process… Another shout “MA’AM YOU CANNOT STAND THERE WITH YOUR BAG, IT NEEDS TO GO IN THE OVERHEAD!!!! IN THE OVERHEAD I SAID! GO TO THE BACK OF THE PLANE!!!” At which I responded that I was just waiting for the passengers to board so I would not block the entry way and made my way to the middle of the plane where a much more professional flight attendant smiled at me and helped me store my bag.
Displeased by the discourtesy and approach of the flight attendant (who should help make the passengers’ experience a positive one), I decided to ask for her name so I could file a complaint as soon as I arrived in Saint Louis. Enough is enough! And I also figured that if passengers start taking the time to report these incidents, the flying experience might improve for passengers all across the country. After all, I wouldn’t expect US Airways to be able to fix what they don’t know is broken.
The flight attendant did not like the idea of being reprimanded. So, a few minutes later, while I am sitting down reading my new book, she asks me to deboard the plane. “MA’AM STEP OFF THE PLANE!”, “May I ask why?” I replied.
“DO YOU WANT TO FLY TODAY OR NOT? she said, with her unlikable manner. At which of course, I said yes. “THEN STEP OFF SO THE GATE AGENT CAN HAVE A WORD WITH YOU.” “No problem, I said, I would like a word with him too.”
The gate agent (who then I found out might have been the pilot) asked me what had happened. I explained and he apologized profusely for the experience, suggesting I report the incident and writing for me on a piece of paper the information about the flight so I could file a complaint. Throughout this process the flight attendant was standing close, worried, and raising her voice while trying to plead her case by denying what had happened.
I thanked the pilot for his concern and apologies, and took my seat. The pilot then pulled the flight attendant aside and explained to her that such behavior is unacceptable. She started making up lies and blaming everything on me saying that I was the one with the problem and again denying the entire incident. Compelled to clarify my side of the story and EXHAUSTED from having to experience such lack of class and professionalism, I got close again and reiterated that such behavior is unacceptable and that if in my line of business if I dared to treat customers half as bad as she had treated me (and others, I am sure) I would have gotten fired a long time ago. The pilot once again apologized, told me I had every right to complain. At that point, glad I had at least had a chance to voice my mind; I sat back in my seat.
The moment the pilot locked the cockpit door, the flight attendant started harassing me and walking down the aisle pleading passengers to please sign a petition against me to help her keep her job.
To my disbelief, a couple of bored passengers who hadn’t even witnessed the incident as they had not boarded the plane yet when it occurred, found it amusing to team up with the flight attendant and support her mobbing.
Although this made me uncomfortable (after all the flight attendant was walking around soliciting passengers against me and harassing and laughing at me together with the rest of the crew), I kept reading my book… “It takes a man to suffer ignorance and smile” I was taught.
The harassing however did not stop. Feeling extremely frustrated and uncomfortable, and also determined to make a point -- as I don’t believe that a Premiere Member (or ANY PASSENGER FOR THAT MATTER) should ever have to go through such an implausible experience on a commercial airline -- stunned that a flight attendant instead of doing her job would walk around the isle soliciting and harassing passengers, I decided to take my bag and step off the plane. Something that I NEVER in my life have done or was put in the condition of considering before.
As I walk out, the same flight attendant starts clapping and cheering and the couple bored passengers tagged along. I WASH IN SHOCK!!!! I did nothing but exercise my right to be treated with courtesy and respect.
I want to clarify that I am in no way a rude person, anyone who knows or works with me will tell you that I do not go around mistreating people, I am very involved in charitable organizations and at no point throughout this incident, other than complaining and addressing my concerns, did I ever act out of line. Exercised a right, is more like it.
Anyways, returning to the gate I asked to be rebooked on the next flight (which happened to fly out the following morning). The supervisor, hearing the story, and herself in disbelief, asked me to please get back on the flight: “AS A CUSTOMER AND PREFERRED PASSENGER YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE ON THAT FLIGHT AND BE TREATED WITH COURTESY AND RESPECT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THIS IS NOT HOW WE TREAT OUR CUSTOMERS, I WILL ESCORT YOU IN THE PLANE MYSELF AND MAKE SURE THAT THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT IS TAKEN OFF THE FLIGHT SO THAT YOU CAN GET TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION WITH DIGNITY AND UNHARASSED. IF YOU GIVE UP THIS FLIGHT SHE WILL HAVE WON THE BATTLE AND THIS IS NOT THE MESSAGE WE WANT TO CONVEY…”
After thinking about it, I decided “why not” after all I had early meeting in St Louis the next day that I could not miss. The supervisor then asked me to wait at the gate while she talked to the crew.
After 10 minutes in the plane she walks out “I AM SO SORRY, BUT THE SITUATION HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED, SO WE WILL HAVE TO KEEP YOU ON TOMORROW’S FLIGHT”. “What do you mean has not been resolved?” I asked, at that point severely tired and surprised.
“WELL, THE PILOT SAID THAT HE IS NOT COMFORTABLE HAVING YOU AND THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT ON THE SAME PLANE, HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE FLIGHT ATTENDENT’S BEHAVIOR WAS OUT OF LINE AND UNACCEPTABLE, YOU STEPPING INTO THE CONVERSATION WHEN HE WAS TALKING TO HER COULD BE TAKEN AS A SIGN OF AGGRESSION (aggression??????)… AND SINCE THAT IS HIS SHIP AND HE ULTIMATELY DECIDES, HE FELT IT BETTER FOR YOU TO TAKE THE NEXT FLIGHT. I AM SO SORRY MISS, PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGIES ON BEHALF OF USAIRWAYS.” And she handed me piece of paper with www.usairways.com telling me to go online and file a report.
AGAIN, I AM SHOCKED. Not only was I treated with disrespect, harassed and bullied. But the flight attendant got away with it and ultimately I was denied reboarding on a plane I had left on my own accord. I cannot believe that US Airways would allow such behavior, and especially, even though at fault and after being reprimanded by her superiors, she would be allowed to go around soliciting passengers asking them to sign a paper to help her keep her job. And the clapping.
Yes, it is true that I stood up and spoke to the pilot expressing my unhappiness and complaining about the service, but in no way different than any of you would complain about poor service anywhere else. Also, last time I checked, the United States was a country that granted freedom of speech and freedom to express one’s own opinions. I guess that does not apply to US Airways.
I cannot believe that this incident would go unpunished and that the flight attendant would be able to make up stories, behave in such an unprofessional way, and ultimately get away with it.
I will make sure that anybody out there who had similar experiences or has been subject to crabbiness and lack of respect while flying US Airways, will speak up. This is ridiculous and needs to stop.
Last but not least, this ended up costing me over $300 dollars in Taxis and overnight stay as the earliest available flight was the following morning.
I am confident that US Airways, will realize the severity of this and take the approapriate measure to make it right.
Until then, I will never again fly US Airways and will make sure none of my employees and acquaintances do.
Comments:
Posted by financiallyfit on 2009-06-03:
This story sounds ludicrous because surely no professional in any line of work would ever treat a customer this way. But, it seems this is the way airlines are going these days. I've been traveling for business a lot the last few weeks and enountered more than one rude flight attendant/airline staff. Nothing as you describe, of course, but rude enough to be infuriating. Many times, complaining gets you no where because the staff is unionized, but if customers start complaining, maybe the airlines will do something about it.
Posted by PepperElf on 2009-06-03:
got a couple of comments for this
1) I do agree with the Gate person's comment that you should have stayed out of his conversation with the FA.
I know you were upset, if you had remained quiet it would have shown that only she was having control issues. Yes, she butted in when you were talking to him, but you did want to fight on it.
& i understand wanting to fight when you know you're right, but sometimes it's also good to stand back, & let people hang themselves on their own ropes.
2) Since you did chose to join in, you unfortunately gave her fuel to use against you.
I know it sucks. Believe me I've had differences with co-workers when the other person is completely out of line... but they still try to find the *one* thing you did wrong, so they can spin it so it's not 100% the other person's fault.
3) Not putting you on the same flight again. Actually I'd do the same thing if I was in charge.
I suspect she got in trouble over the incident. Even with the debate over "stepping up to the gate person", I really think she got spoken to about her behavior on the plane.
I think the airline was just covering its ass with that one....
if they put you both on the same flight, so soon after the first incident... if the FA was horrible to you again and just as abusive, then you'd have even a more serious case to bring up against them.
1) I do agree with the Gate person's comment that you should have stayed out of his conversation with the FA.
I know you were upset, if you had remained quiet it would have shown that only she was having control issues. Yes, she butted in when you were talking to him, but you did want to fight on it.
& i understand wanting to fight when you know you're right, but sometimes it's also good to stand back, & let people hang themselves on their own ropes.
2) Since you did chose to join in, you unfortunately gave her fuel to use against you.
I know it sucks. Believe me I've had differences with co-workers when the other person is completely out of line... but they still try to find the *one* thing you did wrong, so they can spin it so it's not 100% the other person's fault.
3) Not putting you on the same flight again. Actually I'd do the same thing if I was in charge.
I suspect she got in trouble over the incident. Even with the debate over "stepping up to the gate person", I really think she got spoken to about her behavior on the plane.
I think the airline was just covering its ass with that one....
if they put you both on the same flight, so soon after the first incident... if the FA was horrible to you again and just as abusive, then you'd have even a more serious case to bring up against them.
Posted by Soaring Consumer on 2009-06-03:
I believe this review. I don't know why, I just do.
Christopher Elliott might be interested in hearing your situation, here's how to contact him:
http://www.elliott.org/contact/
Regarding compensation, which I believe you are fully entitled to the additional costs you had to endure as well as partial refund of your fare, I suggest contacting the US Airways head offices, here is more information:
http://www.elliott.org/help/us-airways/
Christopher Elliott might be interested in hearing your situation, here's how to contact him:
http://www.elliott.org/contact/
Regarding compensation, which I believe you are fully entitled to the additional costs you had to endure as well as partial refund of your fare, I suggest contacting the US Airways head offices, here is more information:
http://www.elliott.org/help/us-airways/
Posted by superbowl on 2009-06-03:
Wow, this tops every airline complaint I have ever read on M3C's. That flight attendant needs another job and an attitude adjustment. (VH)
Posted by madconsumer on 2009-06-03:
i would like to hear the airlines side of this story.
i am sure the attendant was speaking louder due to the poster being engaged on the telley.
i am sure the attendant was speaking louder due to the poster being engaged on the telley.
Posted by VF-213 on 2009-06-03:
Some interesting points:
F/a primary role is is safety, customer service second.
"First world service" really? In the land of Wal-Mart. 3rd world nations have better air service
"Customer comes first" see above.
"service has been declining..." so have prices, its never been cheaper to fly. People want no service thus LCC's.
"Convenient flight schedules from Miami" Really? Um, its a AA base.
I don't doubt you got hassled however I'm suspecting there is a bit of embellishment here.
STL is serviced primarily by RAH (no mainline) so you'll get a nice form letter from US stating how sorry they are blah blah blah.
Believe it or not you could have been arrested. You broke a big FAR (actually you broke a few 121's)you don't talk to the flight deck crew - not in that situation.
You may want to try AA, they have direct mainline service MIA-STL
F/a primary role is is safety, customer service second.
"First world service" really? In the land of Wal-Mart. 3rd world nations have better air service
"Customer comes first" see above.
"service has been declining..." so have prices, its never been cheaper to fly. People want no service thus LCC's.
"Convenient flight schedules from Miami" Really? Um, its a AA base.
I don't doubt you got hassled however I'm suspecting there is a bit of embellishment here.
STL is serviced primarily by RAH (no mainline) so you'll get a nice form letter from US stating how sorry they are blah blah blah.
Believe it or not you could have been arrested. You broke a big FAR (actually you broke a few 121's)you don't talk to the flight deck crew - not in that situation.
You may want to try AA, they have direct mainline service MIA-STL
Posted by MrNigel on 2009-06-03:
I would call my attorney ASAP and file suit for slander, the clapping and petition are clearcut signs of unlawful harrassment.
Posted by PepperElf on 2009-06-03:
soaring... I believe there's a lot of truth to her letter too.
heh... it's a good thing it wasn't ME in her place... if someone had grabbed me i would have likely spun around with my hands up in a defense move, which would have caused a lot of issue...
at the same time, i understand why the airline did what they did however.
and as i said above, i don't think the FA would have been sweet and docile on the return flight. I think the FA would have acted the same way.
so the airline moved her flight to avoid any further issues.
VF: FAR & 121? What's that?
I figure the "ar" is airline regulation but i could always be wrong
heh... it's a good thing it wasn't ME in her place... if someone had grabbed me i would have likely spun around with my hands up in a defense move, which would have caused a lot of issue...
at the same time, i understand why the airline did what they did however.
and as i said above, i don't think the FA would have been sweet and docile on the return flight. I think the FA would have acted the same way.
so the airline moved her flight to avoid any further issues.
VF: FAR & 121? What's that?
I figure the "ar" is airline regulation but i could always be wrong
Posted by MSCANTBEWRONG on 2009-06-03:
Wow...just wow!
Posted by dan gordon on 2009-06-03:
I absolutely hate US airways, but for your complaint to be taken seriously you really have to condense it. Even starting at pg 2 its way too long. May I suggest you write a shorter version on Flyertalk.com? They have a US airways forum and members can give good advice.
Posted by PepperElf on 2009-06-03:
that's a good point...
when i first started reading the letter i was thinking... ok "service going downhill" but.. what's the exact complaint.... until i got to the part about "yesterday"... etc
when i first started reading the letter i was thinking... ok "service going downhill" but.. what's the exact complaint.... until i got to the part about "yesterday"... etc
Posted by 2003m3 on 2009-06-04:
I would definitely put U.S. Air on my no-fly list for this. The problem is, who do you fly with on domestic flights? The others are not much better. Quality of service on U.S. carriers has gone done incredibly over the last 8 years across the board.
I flew close to 300,000 miles last year, most of it outside the country. My rule is: avoid U.S. carriers like the plague! Service on Asian, Middle Eastern and European airlines is far better. Flying with Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa, BA or Air France is a pleasant experience (for no more money than one would pay to these characters).
I flew close to 300,000 miles last year, most of it outside the country. My rule is: avoid U.S. carriers like the plague! Service on Asian, Middle Eastern and European airlines is far better. Flying with Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa, BA or Air France is a pleasant experience (for no more money than one would pay to these characters).
Posted by DisputeTheCharges on 2009-06-04:
VF-213 Flying AA isn't an option since AA is $5 more than US on the MIA-STL route. Why in the heck you'd rather fly on a Jungle Bus vs. a 757 is beyond me. It's worth the $5 extra in my opinion.
Posted by goduke on 2009-06-04:
Pretty awful story. In most cases, I'd believe that the customer has no right to be privy to the internal HR process of the company, but in this case, I think the customer is owed a "this was the outcome with this employee" kind of response.
It stinks that the pilot had to make the choice to not allow the customer to continue on the flight, but he was probably wise knowing that they two could not co-exist for the flight. If he had tossed the flight attendant (probably first choice), it would have delayed the flight for everyone as they would have had to find a replacement.
Never had such problems with Southwest. They get tons of my money. I especially like the flights where the attendants sing the safety rules.
It stinks that the pilot had to make the choice to not allow the customer to continue on the flight, but he was probably wise knowing that they two could not co-exist for the flight. If he had tossed the flight attendant (probably first choice), it would have delayed the flight for everyone as they would have had to find a replacement.
Never had such problems with Southwest. They get tons of my money. I especially like the flights where the attendants sing the safety rules.
Posted by PepperElf on 2009-06-05:
My family's visiting this weekend and I told this story to my mother.
Her idea was very very interesting...
That when you were told to talk to the gate person, you should have said... "I moved her bag a little to the side to put mine in and she started screaming at me. Her reaction was so intense, I am worried that there is something unsafe in it and I want that bag searched by security."
yes. A security search of her bag.
Mom was thinking that her reaction was so intense ... because maybe she was smuggling contraband. And I have heard some other stories like that.
Her idea was very very interesting...
That when you were told to talk to the gate person, you should have said... "I moved her bag a little to the side to put mine in and she started screaming at me. Her reaction was so intense, I am worried that there is something unsafe in it and I want that bag searched by security."
yes. A security search of her bag.
Mom was thinking that her reaction was so intense ... because maybe she was smuggling contraband. And I have heard some other stories like that.
Posted by superbowl on 2009-06-05:
Pepper, I had to go thru the employee's entrance one time to re-enter the terminal (long story). I watched them search the employee's, attendants', pilots, ground crew, everyone. And that search was a lot tighter than what we go thru. It's very hard for a airport worker to sneak anything on a plane now.
Now, taking stuff out is a different story. We all know how much of our stuff walks out the gate -via- the TSA and luggage handlers.
Now, taking stuff out is a different story. We all know how much of our stuff walks out the gate -via- the TSA and luggage handlers.
Posted by PepperElf on 2009-06-05:
could she still request it?
i wonder if she's contacted corp yet about how she was treated.
i wonder if she's contacted corp yet about how she was treated.
Posted by suzieg on 2009-06-15:
It would have helped the situation if you ended the cell phone conversation when boarding the plane. The consumer set the "rude" tone. I really feel for those who deal with the public(Coffee shop, stores, etc...)especially when people are on cell phones and they are trying to communicate with you-- very rude to be on the phone and consumer...it does not matter who you were speaking to...Hang up the phone! That is why the situation escalated to this level, the attendant was probably very frustrated that you could not follow her instructions.
Posted by taufiq on 2009-06-15:
Im sorry but I just DONT believe your story as it stands and I have to take the attendants side!!
Yes I know your jaw just dropped. Here's why.
1. You were talking on a mobile phone as you were boarding. This is rude and inconsiderate to the attendants and to other passengers. To make things worse you stayed on your cell phone as the attendant was trying to communicate with you.
2. You did interrupt the pilot as he was talking to the attendant. You need to respect the pilot and other passengers. The plane is not your house where you can do and say what you want.
3. The fact that other passengers signed the petition and applauded as you exited the plane tells me that your behavior and attitude were not acceptable.
4. Your story is extreme. What I mean is that you are doing everything correct and the other person is always in the wrong. This is rarely the case.
Im sure the attendant was not on her best behavior but she might have had a long day - as you might have had.
Taufiq
Yes I know your jaw just dropped. Here's why.
1. You were talking on a mobile phone as you were boarding. This is rude and inconsiderate to the attendants and to other passengers. To make things worse you stayed on your cell phone as the attendant was trying to communicate with you.
2. You did interrupt the pilot as he was talking to the attendant. You need to respect the pilot and other passengers. The plane is not your house where you can do and say what you want.
3. The fact that other passengers signed the petition and applauded as you exited the plane tells me that your behavior and attitude were not acceptable.
4. Your story is extreme. What I mean is that you are doing everything correct and the other person is always in the wrong. This is rarely the case.
Im sure the attendant was not on her best behavior but she might have had a long day - as you might have had.
Taufiq
Posted by PepperElf on 2009-06-15:
I have to disagree on some of that Taufiq
But before I get into that... I'm wondering now... do these flights have surveillance cameras inside the passenger cabins? I would think that after 911 they would, but i never thought to ask. ... and if not, perhaps they should start considering it...
a tape would be good evidence to show what really happened.
and back to the list in response to T
1) talking on the mobile while boarding isn't against the rules. even if someone else finds it "rude" it doesn't justify abusing them.
2) Interrupting the pilot/gate guy - yes this i agree with you on. Each person should be allowed their say.
3) The petition - the FA should have never sent this around. The argument was between her and the OP. It was unprofessional and petty.
4) One sided - this you also have a good point on. We are only hearing the OP's side so it is possible she downplayed her actions and up-played the FA's.
But before I get into that... I'm wondering now... do these flights have surveillance cameras inside the passenger cabins? I would think that after 911 they would, but i never thought to ask. ... and if not, perhaps they should start considering it...
a tape would be good evidence to show what really happened.
and back to the list in response to T
1) talking on the mobile while boarding isn't against the rules. even if someone else finds it "rude" it doesn't justify abusing them.
2) Interrupting the pilot/gate guy - yes this i agree with you on. Each person should be allowed their say.
3) The petition - the FA should have never sent this around. The argument was between her and the OP. It was unprofessional and petty.
4) One sided - this you also have a good point on. We are only hearing the OP's side so it is possible she downplayed her actions and up-played the FA's.
Posted by njgal on 2009-06-15:
US Airways has really gone downhill. Their flights are never on time (departure or arrivals) and I experienced a flight with a really rude attendant. We were stuck on the tarmack for over an hour in 90 degree heat with no ac. They gave me a $50 vouchers for all of my troubles, as if I'd want to fly with them again. Good luck and of course you deserve to be reimbursed but I'd be really surprised if they do entirely. They don't seem to care anymore.
Posted by Ponie on 2009-06-15:
The first few paragraphs seem to be the poster puffing her importance. It's underwhelming.
Attitude is quite apparent: 'the people I happen to talk to seem...' I always talk WITH people, not TO them. Doesn't matter if I'm low man on the totem pole or top dog.
I haven't noticed a difference (probably because I wasn't looking for it) in the overhead bins. Do they now assign space in the bins to correspond to the seats? The poster seems to think they do. But I could be wrong...
Attitude is quite apparent: 'the people I happen to talk to seem...' I always talk WITH people, not TO them. Doesn't matter if I'm low man on the totem pole or top dog.
I haven't noticed a difference (probably because I wasn't looking for it) in the overhead bins. Do they now assign space in the bins to correspond to the seats? The poster seems to think they do. But I could be wrong...
Posted by MissMarple on 2009-06-15:
I swear to God, I'd marry Ponie if I had the chance.
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-06-15:
Get in line! :D
Posted by Ponie on 2009-06-15:
Nah, you wouldn't want to MissM. I'm so damned set in my ways...as you can tell by some of my comments. Once was plenty for me.
Posted by BokiBean on 2009-06-15:
She's just bein' coy!
Posted by Adams complaint on 2009-06-23:
there is a part misisng to this complaint.I find it hard to believe that this women went after you like a hawk just because she thought ur carry on was to big?
Posted by Nicki J on 2009-06-25:
I'm surprised that you didn't get arrested. I think that the Flight personnel have to much "power" now and if you get upset watch out, because you could get arrested.
I hope you update us with what happens with this because it is beyond unbelievable. I can't believe she got away with you missing your flight. Maybe you should have asked your CEO if he heard anything while you were on the phone with him.
I hope you update us with what happens with this because it is beyond unbelievable. I can't believe she got away with you missing your flight. Maybe you should have asked your CEO if he heard anything while you were on the phone with him.
Posted by madconsumer on 2009-06-25:
"The first few paragraphs seem to be the poster puffing her importance. It's underwhelming."
the great never claim to be.
the great never claim to be.
Posted by Nunyadb on 2009-07-01:
This is very unfortunate and I hope this lady put in the complaint to the airlines although I am sure it doesn't make a difference. I would have pitched a fit until that attendant was taken off the plane. That is not fair to the customer who paid all that money to fly and is a loyal customer to get treated this way.
Posted by tabikatz on 2009-07-06:
I believe the complaint, simply because I have been put in such positions before. To some it may sound outlandish and farfetched, but those are the lucky ones who have not had to endure such treatment. I think you should be reimbursed for your trouble, and I agree. Do not take US airways any time soon. As far as the flight attendant, she should not have been permitted to remain on the plane either. Her actions as far as the petition and the continuing harrassment were unsafe. Considering I probably would have been arrested, due to my large personal space bubble. Had she laid a hand on me I can't say I would have been completely in control after having my space invaded so rudely. Good luck to you, miss. I hope you find someone willing to assist you in setting your mistreatment right. Perhaps, if you were on business your then higher up would consider filing a complaint as well. I am not sure how your company works, but the way mine is, if I were to tell my boss I had been abused so on a business flight he would be as infuriated as myself.
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