There is this notion — mostly a hold-over from an era when “customer service” was actually a priority for some airlines — that travelers en route to a funeral can have their airfare slashed by providing the information needed to receive a bereavement discount. But as some people are finding out, it may be more of a hassle than it’s worth. [More]
the unfriendly skies
Rude Flight Attendant Almost Spoils My In-Air Proposal
By 6.21.12
Consumerist reader Jacob had planned to ask his girlfriend for her hand in marriage mid-flight during their recent trip from Tel Aviv to Memphis. But thanks to a terribly rude flight attendant, those plans were almost grounded. [More]
Consumers Get Screwed Because Airlines Can't Agree On Unaccompanied Minor Policies
By 5.30.12
For parents, it can be stressful enough to put your children on a plane on their own. And it only gets more irritating when you have to sort through each airline’s particular policy for unaccompanied minors to make sure your child will actually be able to fly without an adult — and how much it’s going to cost. But even then, the airlines can throw in a hitch that invalidates all your efforts. [More]
Million-Miler Sues United For Being Downgraded To Second-Tier Status
By 5.29.12
If you’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the same airline over the years with the understanding that you will reap lifelong benefits for doing so, you’d probably be a bit peeved when that airline decides that you’re just a regular old business traveler. That’s why one million-miler on United Airlines has filed suit. [More]
United Ends Preboarding Policy For Families With Small Kids
By 5.25.12
While airlines love to put out press releases for even the smallest improvements in service, they tend to be pretty quiet when they do something that might tick off customers. Thus, many people are just learning now that back in April, United Airlines ended its policy of allowing families with small children to board flights early. [More]
What Are The Worst Airports In The U.S.?
By 5.2.12
Though La Guardia Airport is by far the least-busy of the three major airports in the NYC area, it managed to put a bad taste into enough travelers’ mouths to end up on the top of a new survey of the worst airports in the nation. [More]
Musicians: Ryanair Charges Unnecessary Fees For Stowing Instruments
By 4.18.12
For years, cheapo airlines like Ryanair have acted like flying tour buses for up-and-coming musicians in Europe. But some musically inclined travelers say the fee-happy carrier recently made it harder on them by tacking on unfair charges for passengers traveling with instruments of any size. [More]
American Airlines Staffer Refuses To Let Me Fly Twice In One Day
By 4.5.12
We’ve posted numerous stories in recent years about airline staffers booting passengers from flights or having them detained after the plane lands for reasons that seem pretty petty. And here’s the story of a Consumerist reader who says he wasn’t even allowed on his plane because an American Airlines employee had issues with both of his passports, even though the TSA had no problems. [More]
U.S. Airways May Make You Check Your Bag Even If The Plane Isn't Full
By 4.4.12
Consumerist reader Andrew was recently boarding a U.S. Airways flight out of Newark when he noticed that airline staffers were forcing people to gate-check their bags even though fewer than 1/3 of the passengers had actually gotten on the plane. [More]
NYC Airports To Penalize Passengers Who Cause Flight Delays
By 3.26.12
In an effort to recoup costs resulting from flights delayed by passengers — and to discourage certain behaviors that cause these delays — the operators of the three major NYC-area airports plan to begin fining travelers who cause planes to stack up on the tarmac. [More]
Couple Says United Airlines Employee Used Gay Slur Against Them
By 11.28.11
The folks at United Airlines are looking into a complaint from a gay couple who say that they were not only treated rudely by airline employees but that one actually called them “f****ts” at Denver International Airport. [More]
Who Knew U.S. Airways Had Standing Room Only Tickets?
By 11.22.11
Okay, so the airline doesn’t actually sell standing room only tickets, but they might as well have for one passenger who was forced to stand for most of a seven-hour flight — and who only received a $200 travel voucher for his troubles. [More]
George Takei May Protest Southwest Airlines For Scolding L-Word Actress
By 9.28.11
Earlier this week, Leisha Hailey, actress and former star of the Showtime’s The L Word, was reprimanded by a Southwest Airlines flight attendant for sharing a kiss with her partner while onboard the aircraft. Earlier today, George Takei, actor and former helmsman of the USS Enterprise, mock threatened to stage a protest in response during his next Southwest Airlines flight. [More]
'L Word' Actress Says She Was Scolded By Southwest Staff For Kissing Girlfriend
By 9.27.11
Leisha Hailey, actress and former star of the Showtime’s The L Word says she was given a talking-to from a Southwest Airlines flight attendant after the employee deemed a smooch between the actress and her girlfriend was unfriendly for the family environment. [More]
The TSA Thinks You Might Be Hiding Weapons In Your Big Hair
By 9.21.11
Here’s a warning to the big-haired travelers of the world: Your voluminous ‘do might merit a second round of security screening the next time you’re traveling through the airport. [More]
Consumer Groups Scold Airlines For Pocketing Tax Money During FAA Shutdown
By 9.14.11
Surely you remember the recent FAA shutdown, during which the government couldn’t collect taxes on airfares, leading the airlines to temporarily raise their base prices and pocket an estimated $70 million a day. Now a coalition of consumer groups, including our benevolent benefactors at Consumers Union, are voicing their displeasure for this and other anti-consumer behavior. [More]
Passenger: United Cabin Crew Thinks Books About Old Airplanes Signify A Security Threat
By 8.24.11
Last week, folk singer and aviation enthusiast Vance Gilbert thought he’d pass the time on his United Airlines flight from Boston to Washington, DC, by perusing some books about old aircraft. This was apparently enough to set off alarm bells among the flight crew, who had the plane return to the gate where Gilbert was met by the authorities. [More]
Breastfeeding Delta Passenger: Flight Attendant Publicly Humiliated Me
By 8.16.11
Earlier this week, a traveling mom who had just boarded a Delta flight from Indianapolis to Raleigh, NC, decided it was a good time to nurse her 8-month-old. A flight attendant didn’t agree. You can imagine how this one goes from here. [More]
