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"I love you guys!
"Thought you might be interested in my latest exchange (below) with US Airways Customer Relations.
"Yet another reason to distrust our friends, the country's air carriers.
"It's all pretty self-explanatory. What sort of 'Low Fare Guarantee' is it if the lower fare has to be at least $100 less than the original? How often does that ever happen? And what is this about a $100 'service fee' simply to fulfill the promised obligations? If this isn't bait and switch, what is!
"Thanks for listening and thanks for all you do on behalf of us poor road warriors.
"To US Airways Customer Relations I wrote this:
I bought this ticket last night, 7 Feb 2008, at 8:29pm. The Base fare was $287. Today, 8 Feb 2008, at 2:04pm the very same flight combinations on the very same days is giving me a base fare of $263. There is no reason whatsoever I should pay the higher amount. I am a loyal and regular (Silver) client of US Airways. Please credit the difference of $24 plus applicable taxes to my US Airways Mastercard.
"US Airways Customer Relations answered:
Following are the rules regarding the Lowest Fare Guarantee:
When a new lower fare becomes available after a ticket has been purchased, customers are entitled to a Lower Fare Guarantee refund within the following guidelines:
The lower fare is available for the exact itinerary previously purchased. (It was!)
No portion of the reservation has been flown. (It hadn't!)
This policy does not apply to transatlantic or transpacific travel. (It didn't!)
Lower Fare Guarantee refunds are not available for online ticket exchanges. Certain promotional fares may be excluded.
We will deduct a $100 service fee and apply residual funds in the form of a US voucher. Additional rules and restrictions may apply. Call our Reservations Desk to seek a Lower Fare Guarantee.
Since the new fare is not more than $100.00, it would not be to your advantage to make the ticket change.
Sincerely, US Airways Customer Relations
[Baron W.]
"Could not agree with you more about the 'new bag fee with United as a seamy, transparent pig-at-the-trough scheme.
"Ever since the employees of United launched their unseemly campaign years ago to 'fly OUR airline' (when they were given a big share of ownership), United has done most everything to deserve being driven out of business -- including the oft-repeated and rightful tirades at odious and egregious executive compensation to run a business for anything but the benefit of the consumer (or shareholders).
"With airline deregulation in 1978, one would think that United would have long ago fallen by the wayside with its persistent greed and arrogant mismanagement. Yet, the check-in lines with them most always seem jammed with travelers. How to explain it?
"Time has long-passed for consumers to vote with their feet, stop flying United, and walk over to anyone else's counter or website. One of the world's once-great airlines just runs a shell-game and deserves to be put out of its and our misery -- permanently." [Ed N.]
"I have an issue with TSA that I would like to see if anyone else has had the experience.
"Basically I am Platinum with AA and within the last 6 months I can no longer check in from home or at a kiosk at the airport. I have to go to a ticket agent every departure from ORD. AA people have told me that my name may resemble one a watch list (TSA). So I contacted TSA and was directed to do a "Redress" with them. This entailed an online form and scanning and emailing my drivers lic. etc. I have done this twice. My inquiries to TSA have been frequent. The responses from TSA have not.
"I have even been told that my name may be on a AA list. I called American in Dallas and call was not returned. I have become increasingly frustrated until I flew US Airways to Savannah a few weeks ago. Guess what? No extra check in with an agent. I went to the kiosk at O'Hare and got my boarding pass. I am going to try United next. Anyone else have similar issues?" [CM - Chicago, IL]
Until next week...
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