Host-he loses it on muti-delayed flight.

[TeeVee]

Originally Posted by AA 1818

Ok. I agree with you logic here. In you experience, has using a charge-back procedure (via a credit card company - even very good programs such as American Express) would at all, and if so, well? I mean, that's the only option to dis-empower their position?

Also, if this were taken to trial, could and/or would a judge order that the fare rules be more clearly written? I would love to see that happen, because though I can read them, I concede that it is not easy for all to read. That doesn't mean that it's illegible (sticking to my original point), but it could be much easier.

i cannot speak for the cc companies, however i doubt that would be a very good option, since the airline will simply inform the cc company that its rules prohibit or require x, y, z and i have little doubt the cc company would then side with the airline.

pax can "dis-empower" the airlines by challenging them more often and taking them to court, even small claims. eventually, they may end up trying to defend and lose. they would then be forced to change the rule or clarify.

there is a general principle in the law that courts are powerless to re-write a contract. in that sense, no judge could force an airline to re-write its rules. however, like in so many other aspects of life, money is a big motivator. so, if a judge happened to announce in open court that he/she would likely always rule in favor of a consumer with regards to such ridiculously arcane rules, i think you would find that the airline would start re-writing its rules pronto!

[3WE]

Originally Posted by TeeVee

...is this fair? hell no but it is the way it is...if a judge happened to announce in open court that he/she would likely always rule in favor of a consumer with regards to such ridiculously arcane rules, i think you would find that the airline would start re-writing its rules pronto!...

Hell of a business model. Give us money and we might take you where you want to go (as advertised). Or maybe not, but your money is ours now.

...and, let's put the screws to the business guys who are really the ones keeping us in business.

I guess, I'd be happy if the beautiful-people-CEO's would simply stop appearing in the front cover of the airline magazine blabbing about how much they love serving their customers! (I know it's a fantasy that they'd read weird aviation discussion forums and get a hint).

I also used to like that "reality show" about Southwest Airlines. Man, would they ever go into big-time-emergency back-flip customer service mode when some old, brain-dead non-english speaking person wasn't sure if they were on flight 40 at gate 80 or flight 80 at gate 40. Call in the emergency multi lingual department- STAT!!!!!!!!!!!! with a golf cart and complimentary tropical beverages with umbrellas...

...but cancel a flight???...yeah, sucks to be you Mr. Passenger, not our problem, though we did vacuum the floor last night if you need a place to sleep because we LUV our customers.

(disclaimer- I kind of like SWA- These examples could just as well apply to any other airline today!)