Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel
We welcome reader feedback on issues related to travel generally and frequent flyer programs in particular. Please use this link to submit comments.
American AAdvantage Program
"I have noticed the comments about FFPs and AA. I have been a member of AA's program for many years. I am not usually an elite level member. BUT, I have almost never had a problem getting what I wanted out of the program.
"I believe one has to start from the point of view that the AA rep is a person and is simply doing his/her job. I treat each AA rep with respect and politeness. I also do plenty of 'homework' first and don't ask AA for (nor expect) things that I know I don't have much of a chance of getting. I plan ahead and I search for the flights, including options that I want, and then telephone the AA Advantage rep (yes there is a fee but I have found they are able to do things that I can't via the online system).
"I understand that everyone's experiences will vary but I don't "blame" the AA rep for a system they didn't have anything to do with creating. I routinely write to AA to point out positive and not so positive experiences with AA reps, flight attendants, Admiral's Club service, etc. I try to approach giving this feedback with the question: 'How would I want to receive such feedback if it was me that was being discussed?' I have been pointed in my criticism, but not mean or de-humanizing. I also believe that AA deserves to hear the good stuff as well -- why take for granted when an AA employee does something good?
"Overall, I fly mostly with AA but I patronize other airlines as well. I get pretty much the value I pay for in dollars. I use the miles to upgrade. To sum it up: honey is better than vinegar." [Dan W.]
United Award Availability to Europe
"While I don't have time at the moment to take a survey, I do want to say I have actually never had a problem booking award seats overseas to Europe using my United miles. They have to book my ticket with Lufthansa but my experience in the past has been exceptional. Just a month ago, I made my reservations for August and had no problem securing my dates (yes, I had some degree of flexibility in both directions within a 4 day window) but that said, I booked non-stop flights and was given several choices from my home airport of San Francisco or Los Angeles. Add that to the fact I had to buy four seats and I thought it was a breeze.
"Thanks to United and Lufthansa and thanks always to you for your great newsletter." [Katherine W.]
American Customer Service
"Now, some good news.
"I've written before on the unqualified terrific service from the American Airlines AAdvantage desk. And you were kind enough to publish.
"It's still happening.
"In attempt to 'tweak' an award flight already booked, 'Marilyn in Tucson' went to great effort. This is the best it gets. Somehow, we need to give these folks special thanks. It isn't, after all, 'just a job.'" [Ed N.]
Millennium Travel?
"Is Millennium Travel a rip off?
"What should I watch out for?" [Lacey]
[FrequentFlier.com replies - We have no first hand knowledge of this company, but a Google search turned up some troubling complaints about their business practices. Based on that admittedly limited information, I personally would avoid them.]
Follow-Up to Nancy E.'s 'All-Powerful Flight Attendants' Rant
"I am so glad L. [responding to Nancy in last week's newsletter] with his/her 3 million miles feels in a position to judge the veracity of my report. I am sure this person would have had no problem with his/her bag containing passport, jewelry, thousands of $ worth of delicate camera equipment having been shipped by mistake, but everyone else to whom I have spoken - outside of the airlines, of course - has agreed with my being "upset" and would themselves been so. Once I had my bag returned, however, my agitation ceased, but the attendant, whom a psychologist has described as having considerable hostility underneath her 'anxiety,' apparently did not notice.
"Eventually NWA did answer, via KLM, but they might have done better not to." [Nancy E.]
Until next week...
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