Today two of our guests experienced a multi hour delay, - Seven hours to be exact- Apparently the plane taking off from Miami got called back to the gate for a mechanical.
This happens all too often with many airlines, but in this case today it was Spirit Airlines.
It’s disappointing when travel plans are disrupted, especially when it seems like there’s little in the way of recourse for affected passengers.
While it’s true that delays can happen with any airline, the lack of timely communication and flexibility in such situations can significantly impact travelers’ plans and experiences.
We had suggested that the clients check in for the flight and then with their documents in hand take a taxi downtown to Phillipsburg and enjoy a leisurely lunch and return sometime around four or 4:30 - 2 1/2 hours before the new scheduled departure- unfortunately the clients had to sit in the ugly old part of the building (remnants of hurricane Irma) and babysit their luggage waiting for the new posted check in time 2:30 PM - In my opinion that is the kind of thing that the station manager should be held accountable for. Why should a guest have to sit six or seven hours waiting for the counter to be able to accept the luggage which would’ve been ready to go on the flight as scheduled
I know they’re going to complain about they don’t have the space to hold it, but come on the departure terminal of the SXM airport is brand new and State of the Art; They could certainly have accommodated one aircrafts luggage for people that arrived at the proper time for checkin
Here’s a list of steps that passengers can take to seek compensation or redress in the event of a significant delay like this:
1. Document Everything: Keep a record of the delay and any communications from the airline. This includes emails, text messages, and announcements made at the airport.
2. Inquire at the Airport: Speak directly with airline representatives at the airport. Ask for clear information about the cause of the delay and the expected departure time. Request access to any immediate amenities available, such as meal vouchers or lounge access, especially if the delay is lengthy.
3. Review the Airline’s Policy: Check Spirit Airlines’ Contract of Carriage or customer service plan, which outlines what passengers are entitled to in case of delays. This can include meals, accommodations, and rebooking on the next available flight.
4. Request Compensation: If the delay is the airline’s fault (e.g., mechanical issues, staffing problems), request compensation. This could be in the form of travel vouchers, frequent flyer miles, or direct financial compensation.
5. Seek Alternative Arrangements: If the delay significantly disrupts your travel plans, ask the airline if they can book you on another flight, possibly with a different carrier, or if there are alternative transportation options.
6. Use Social Media: If you’re not getting assistance through traditional channels, consider reaching out to the airline on social media. Public posts can sometimes prompt a quicker response.
7. File a Complaint with the Airline: Submit a formal complaint to Spirit Airlines detailing the incident, how it affected you, and what you are seeking in terms of compensation.
8. Contact Government Agencies: If the airline does not respond satisfactorily, you can file a complaint with the appropriate aviation consumer protection body, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) if you’re in the United States.
9. Check Credit Card Protections: If you booked your flight with a credit card, check if your card offers any travel protections or compensation for delays.
10. Consider Small Claims Court: As a consideration, take it to small claims court.
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