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Originally Posted by Michel Fortin BTW, US Airways REFUSED to refund, credit or rebook my flight to New Orleans next week for the seminar at which I was to speak, which obviously got cancelled since the hotel is completely uninhabitable.
US Airways was not very cooperative, the day after the hurricane, my travel agent called US Airways. They gave her attitude and said, "Oh well, so sad, if we are going there, they must fly."
And airports are currently open for emergency flights and supplies only!
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That's disgusting!
Like you I travel extensivly and have ran into a few absolute travel nightmares when dealing with airline "customer service" (more like disservice) personnel.
One tactic that I have used quite effectively to resolve these types of issues is to write a "persuasive" letter (which you would have no problem doing
) to several "executive" level managers at the airline.
In the letter, emphasise the fact the you are a professional speaker and regularly address audiences filled with business travelers. Let them know in no uncertain terms that it is in their best interests to avoid becoming a story of "what not to do" that you use from the podium.
In one particularly strong letter I wrote to Northwest Airlines last year, I actually used the following line...
"...Negative word of mouth advertising can be a real BITCH when you piss off someone with a mouth as big as mine!" (Just ask yourself WWGHD... What would Gary Halbert do?)
Now, I'll admit... that one was a bit too strong. But I did get a personal phone call form their VP of customer relations, a full refund of what I paid for "my trip from hell" and 4 upgrade certificates for future flights.
Also, I would imagine you too are a high mileage member of most frequent flier programs, so often you get a dedicated "elite member" customer service number. Often I get better results with those phone reps.
Either way I would suggest you point out to them that THIER OWN WEBSITE says the following:
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Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, US Airways will allow passengers with tickets issued on/before August 24, 2005 to or from New Orleans with scheduled travel dates from August 27 to October 31, 2005 to change their flight dates. US Airways will waive the standard change fee, advance reservation and/or ticketing requirements.
Ticketed passengers traveling to / from New Orleans can rebook their travel for up to one year. Originating and destination cities can be changed.
You must rebook your reservation and have your tickets reissued by October 31, 2005. Your trip must begin within one year of the original date of ticket issue.
When you are ready to travel, call US Airways Reservations at 1-800-428-4322 with your ticket number to reschedule. We will continue to assess conditions in New Orleans and update this policy as necessary.
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The URL for the full statement can be found here:
http://www.usairways.com/travel/airport/index.htm
Hope this helps Michel!
Eric
PS - The PEN is more powerful than the SWORD! (And with your skills, I'd imagine your pen is a very powerful weapon!)