Aa
Peeved
This week, I had the misfortune of flying USAirways. They now charge for previously complimentary beverages. As I do require coffee in the morning, and a soft drink in the afternoon, I was a bit taken aback. When I pay $700 for a flight, I expect a free coffee and soft drink.
I fly to the east coast about 5 or 6 times a year, and generally just use the carrier that is cheapest and/or has the best times/fewest stops to get where I want to be. They are all pretty much similar. I have no loyalty to any particular carrier.
Until this past week, that is. I will not pay $1 for a cup of bad coffee or tea, and will not pay $2 for a can of diet Coke when I'm shelling out $700 for a round trip ticket THAT INCLUDED 2 STOPS, YES 2 STOPS, each way. I DESERVE A D@MN CUP OF COFFEE AND A DIET COKE FOR FREE. And I will not fly an airline that won't give them to me.
I sent a nice (really, it was) letter to USAirways detailing my unhappiness. I got an equally nice letter back explaining how extraordinary fuel costs are unfortunately necessitating such changes in the beverage service. L. Flores (customer service) of USAirways patiently explained that it costs $300 per passenger in fuel alone, so that charging for previously complimentary beverages was necessary.
(do the math. I don't think that USAirways will quite recoup $300 per person in coffee and soft drinks)
I sent a less nice email back, asking when the beverage costs were going to be rescinded...seeing how fuel costs are dropping like rocks in a well now. L. Flores had no answer for this.
Well, L. Flores of USAirways. I have many choices of carriers who provide me with all the coffee and soft drinks I would like, without charging. So again...do the math, L. Flores. I spend about $4000 a year flying, I hope the savings on my coffee will help mitigate the losses.
I fly to the east coast about 5 or 6 times a year, and generally just use the carrier that is cheapest and/or has the best times/fewest stops to get where I want to be. They are all pretty much similar. I have no loyalty to any particular carrier.
Until this past week, that is. I will not pay $1 for a cup of bad coffee or tea, and will not pay $2 for a can of diet Coke when I'm shelling out $700 for a round trip ticket THAT INCLUDED 2 STOPS, YES 2 STOPS, each way. I DESERVE A D@MN CUP OF COFFEE AND A DIET COKE FOR FREE. And I will not fly an airline that won't give them to me.
I sent a nice (really, it was) letter to USAirways detailing my unhappiness. I got an equally nice letter back explaining how extraordinary fuel costs are unfortunately necessitating such changes in the beverage service. L. Flores (customer service) of USAirways patiently explained that it costs $300 per passenger in fuel alone, so that charging for previously complimentary beverages was necessary.
(do the math. I don't think that USAirways will quite recoup $300 per person in coffee and soft drinks)
I sent a less nice email back, asking when the beverage costs were going to be rescinded...seeing how fuel costs are dropping like rocks in a well now. L. Flores had no answer for this.
Well, L. Flores of USAirways. I have many choices of carriers who provide me with all the coffee and soft drinks I would like, without charging. So again...do the math, L. Flores. I spend about $4000 a year flying, I hope the savings on my coffee will help mitigate the losses.
Right -- SSSSS on your boarding pass means mandatory secondary screening. Swampy got it once for buying a one way ticket at the last minute.
Swampy thinks the security people must be great drinking buddies...what do you do for a living? Oh, I feel up strangers...
Seems par for the course for USScare.
Swampy thinks the security people must be great drinking buddies...what do you do for a living? Oh, I feel up strangers...
Seems par for the course for USScare.
Water goes through you and coffee doesn't?? Lol, I'm the exact opposite! And yeah, I know you have to buy your water bottle after you go through security but they used to let it. They've gone back and forth on that one. Let's see, that flight with my sister was oh 5 or 6 years ago? I think they might have been letting people have water then. I have to take my water everywhere with me! Especially on a plane. I get so dehydrated.
They randomly tag people for a furthur search, April--sometimes there is a series of S's on your boarding pass that means you will be taken aside for a search, sometimes its just something odd in your bag.
And you can't bring water in to the airport and get on the plane with it...you have to buy it after going through security. If you had it in your bag before security, that was why your bag was searched.
That's ok with me. It was just the coffee and soft drinks. I don't drink water on flights anyway. Goes right through me, and I usually have a window seat. My rowmates don't appreciate it, me getting up all the time.
And you can't bring water in to the airport and get on the plane with it...you have to buy it after going through security. If you had it in your bag before security, that was why your bag was searched.
That's ok with me. It was just the coffee and soft drinks. I don't drink water on flights anyway. Goes right through me, and I usually have a window seat. My rowmates don't appreciate it, me getting up all the time.
The airlines have changed so much since 9-11. It's gotten to the point I don't want to fly anymore. I'd much rather drive. The last time I flew they searched me and let my sister go through. I guess I looked guilty or something. :=) Must have been the snacks and water bottle I had in my bag.
And yes, I've carried my own water bottle and snacks but it's nice to be able to get a cold, caffeinated soda or a hot drink. They've cut back on everything.
When we returned from overseas on that looong flight on United, I noticed how cramped it was. The seats are too close together. I'm an average height for a woman but I felt sorry for those 6 foot men with their knees up to their chests, lol. That was before 9-11 too so the snacks and meals weren't bad. They even gave my kids coloring books and crayons and little United pins. They even got to look in the cockpit and meet the pilot. I don't know if they allow you to do that anymore. 9-11 changed everything. We're not so naive and innocent anymore.
And yes, I've carried my own water bottle and snacks but it's nice to be able to get a cold, caffeinated soda or a hot drink. They've cut back on everything.
When we returned from overseas on that looong flight on United, I noticed how cramped it was. The seats are too close together. I'm an average height for a woman but I felt sorry for those 6 foot men with their knees up to their chests, lol. That was before 9-11 too so the snacks and meals weren't bad. They even gave my kids coloring books and crayons and little United pins. They even got to look in the cockpit and meet the pilot. I don't know if they allow you to do that anymore. 9-11 changed everything. We're not so naive and innocent anymore.
For a bit of fun try flying on what used to be Air Canada but is now Airline of the Week. There are discussions (for real) about having passengers stand during a flight in order in increase revenue and profit. There are no free snacks or drinks and passengers are often made to leave water in plastic bottles behind. There is an airport tax - don't know if you have that in the USA and we pay a percentage of the fuel when buying a plane ticket. It might be easier to buy a private jet.
Since the Canadian government refused to "bail out" Air Canada a number of years ago and so many "new" airlines have sprung up, not to mention that our airplanes are incredibly outdated, writing letters seems to be pointless. Hope you got your point across Peek. If you did, maybe you can come to Canada and help us out = )
Since the Canadian government refused to "bail out" Air Canada a number of years ago and so many "new" airlines have sprung up, not to mention that our airplanes are incredibly outdated, writing letters seems to be pointless. Hope you got your point across Peek. If you did, maybe you can come to Canada and help us out = )
You did the right thing writing to them. The majority of businesses take it seriously when you do that, because most people ***** but then forget about it and never actually contact the offending company. When you take the time to write - even email, which is quick and painless - or call, they figure that if you were upset enough to do so, a number of other people, statistically, must have been upset about the same thing and never bothered to let them know. It's the best way to get policy changed.
Or so it used to be. Probably, at least to some degree, still is. So we should all follow through when we say we are going to write in about some business that has just insulted us in some way with a bad product or service. Which is, what, all of them at one time or another?!
Or so it used to be. Probably, at least to some degree, still is. So we should all follow through when we say we are going to write in about some business that has just insulted us in some way with a bad product or service. Which is, what, all of them at one time or another?!
I am soo very sick and tired of being raked over the coals by buisnessess. I cannot believe they now charge you for a cup of instant probably cold freeking coffee. I ( who must still be hormonal) would have told her to stick the coffee you know where, unfortunatly it would have been directed at the wrong person!
I recently was on a red eye on United Airlines and the beverages were free AND we got free orange juice when we landed YOO HOO! .. But on that same trip, I too, took US Airways and was taken back by the charges for cofee and water, etc.
The flight attendant on United looked at me bizarre when I asked her how much the water was cause I was thirsty! Yep .. $2.00 for bottle of water on US Airways -- Free on United. Go Figure?!
The flight attendant on United looked at me bizarre when I asked her how much the water was cause I was thirsty! Yep .. $2.00 for bottle of water on US Airways -- Free on United. Go Figure?!
Boy, this is a pet peeve of mine too. Being charged for beverages and/or meals is ridiculous!! Bury it in the price of the ticket, but don't charge me IN FLIGHT!! Are you kidding me?!!
Just got back from a trip to Cleveland and I was lucky enough to be traveling with my sister who is an elite member. She can check TWO bag for free, while I cannot check any for free. So, she checked both of our under her name. DUMB!! Here's the thing that really irks me....I would NOT be checking the stupid bag in the first place except I can't carry anything but a teeny bit of liquid on the plane!! GRRRR!
Still love Southwest.....What a pleasant way to travel. I travel on SW when I can...it's such a pleasure!
Just got back from a trip to Cleveland and I was lucky enough to be traveling with my sister who is an elite member. She can check TWO bag for free, while I cannot check any for free. So, she checked both of our under her name. DUMB!! Here's the thing that really irks me....I would NOT be checking the stupid bag in the first place except I can't carry anything but a teeny bit of liquid on the plane!! GRRRR!
Still love Southwest.....What a pleasant way to travel. I travel on SW when I can...it's such a pleasure!
Welcome back, Peek. I missed your unique brand of humor.
I haven't flown in ages, I'm talking 15 years. Do the airlines allow you to bring your own beverages onboard? I agree for the price you pay they could give you a complimentary drink. Next they'll be putting coin slots on the restroom door so you have to pay for that too.
I haven't flown in ages, I'm talking 15 years. Do the airlines allow you to bring your own beverages onboard? I agree for the price you pay they could give you a complimentary drink. Next they'll be putting coin slots on the restroom door so you have to pay for that too.
I'm quite unhappy with the airlines as well. I've always flown United since my father works for United and I want to support his company. But I absolutely hate the idea of paying $15 for your first checked bag. This just encourages everybody to start taking their bags on the plane, which slows down boarding, and increases delays.
My boyfriend had to check his bag because of a shoulder injury that prevents him from lifting the bag into the overhead compartment. Operationally speaking, your first bag does not cost the airline any more in fuel whether you take it on the plane or check it. So basically they're raising costs by $30 ticket unless you want to fly without any luggage.
Grrrr....
My boyfriend had to check his bag because of a shoulder injury that prevents him from lifting the bag into the overhead compartment. Operationally speaking, your first bag does not cost the airline any more in fuel whether you take it on the plane or check it. So basically they're raising costs by $30 ticket unless you want to fly without any luggage.
Grrrr....
I have no problem paying through the nose for snacks and a lunch. Honestly, I don't mind that at all.
Its the beverage problem that has my panties in a twist.
I wonder where Obama and McCain stand on this important issue. Who do I ask?
Its the beverage problem that has my panties in a twist.
I wonder where Obama and McCain stand on this important issue. Who do I ask?
You are reading content posted in the MedHelp Social Community
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
