CombatCritic's TravelValue™: airline

Showing posts with label airline. Show all posts

Friday, July 19, 2019

London, England: British Airways Dropped The Ball And Could Care Less

British Airways

Waterside

Speedbird Way

Harmondsworth

West Drayton (Heathrow) UB7 0GA

United Kingdom

Phone number: +44 844 493 0787

Website: britishairways.com

Prices: $$$$

British Airways used to be a top-notch airline, but that has obviously changed. Their handling of our reservation, ticketing, delays, and lost luggage during our trip this past winter was atrocious. We were diverted from our original itinerary after weather problems in Seattle, then we were stuck in Boston for 13 hours after no sleep and missing our flight to London Heathrow even though we arrived just in time to board because we were not issued boarding passes in Seattle.

Once we finally arrived in London, almost 2 days late, our luggage was nowhere to be found and BA could not even locate our bags in their system. Their lost baggage office in London was unfriendly and unhelpful. We finally received our bags after 4 days, just in time to depart the following day for Paris, and we were not compensated for the immense inconvenience of having to wear the same clothes for 4+ days and having none of the personal and hygienic items we had packed.

Fortunately, I brought my medications in my carry-on, so I did not have to try to replace them abroad, a great lesson learned, so it was not a total loss.

BA used to be a great airline, but these days they gouge you for every little thing after buying your tickets and their legendary British customer service has deteriorated, making us feel unwelcome and unappreciated. We will stick with United or Lufthansa for our twice annual European flights from now on and I doubt BA cares in the least ... ADIOS YOU TOSSERS!

CombatCritic Gives British Airways 1 Bomb Out Of 10 And A Spot On My "WALL OF SHAME" ... More Bombs Are Better!

One Bomb Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Fucked Up Beyond All Repair"

Friday, October 19, 2018

Ryan Air's Conflicting And Confusing Carry On Policy Deciphered (1 NOV 2018)

Ryan Air's carry on policy is confusing with conflicting information on its website.

Some current web pages claim that there is a 35 x 20 x 20 cm (13.75" x 7.85" x 7.85") maximum for small bags:

https://www.ryanair.com/us/en/plan-trip/flying-with-us/baggage-policy

But, if you dig into the FAQs, you will find a new 40 x 20 x 25cm (15.75" x 7.85" x 9.75") maximum for small bags ("New Baggage Policy" - Effective 1 November 2018):

https://www.ryanair.com/us/en/useful-info/help-centre/faq-overview#2-0.

So I asked: "Which is it Ryan Air?"

Here is the answer I received from Zamasiba, a Ryan Air Support Agent:

Zamasiba: Hi, my name is Zamasiba, welcome to Ryanair Customer Support. I would be happy to help you with your query. Please stay connected while I review your query and reservation details.

CombatCritic: Your new online baggage policy (eff 1 Nov 18) does not state the maximum dimensions of a “wheelie bag” allowed as cabin baggage for priority customers. Is the max still 55x40x20cm?

Zamasiba: Yes, it is.

CombatCritic: Thanks! One of the screens on your website (with opposing information – on one it says that the small bag must be 35 x 20 x 20cm and on the other its says that you have increased it to 40 x 20 x 25cm) has the following note:

---------------------

Please note: Flights to/from Israel

If you have purchased "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" or Plus/Flexi Plus/Family Plus you can carry the following on board:

• One small bag e.g. handbag, laptop bag etc. not exceeding 35cm x 20cm x 20cm

If you have not purchased "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags" or a Plus/Flexi Plus/Family Plus and are flying to/from Israel you can carry the following on board:

• One cabin bag, not exceeding 55cm x 40cm x 20cm in size and up to 10kg in weight.

• 1 small bag e.g. handbag, laptop bag etc. not exceeding 35cm x 20cm x 20cm

Customers travelling to and from Israel who present at the airport with a 2nd larger cabin bag (exceeding 35cm x 20cm x 20cm) may drop this bag off at the check-in/bag drop desk, for an airport checked bag fee of €40 or at the boarding gate, for a gate bag fee of €50.

--------------------------

My question is: Are the max dimensions on small carry ons to/from Israel 35 x 20 x 20cm or 40 x 20 x 25cm?

Zamasiba: They are 40 x 20 x 25cm

CombatCritic: Thanks again. Will I receive an email documentation of this chat which I can print and take with me on our trip to Israel in case gate agents are as confused as customers by your conflicting online baggage policy information? You really need to update your website to ensure that all baggage policies are identical.

Zamasiba: Yes, it will be sent at the end of the chat.

CombatCritic: Finally, do you have links to Ryan Air approved cabin bags we can purchase online? Thank you very much Zamasiba!

Zamasiba: Unfortunately not.

NOTE: UNFORTUNATELY, THAT WAS NOT A TRUE STATEMENT AS YOU CAN FIND RYAN AIR APPROVED CABIN BAGS FOR SALE ON THEIR WEBSITE IN SIZES THAT ARE GUARANTEED TO BE ACCEPTED ON ALL RYAN AIR FLIGHTS (CLICK HERE).

CombatCritic: Cheers! Have a nice day (or evening)!!

Zamasiba: You are welcome. If there's anything else I can assist you with please come back to us.

Thank you for using our Live Chat Service.

BOTTOM LINE: "Priority" customers can carry on one bag not exceeding 10kg with dimensions 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (aka "wheelie bag") and one small bag with dimensions 40 x 20 x 25cm (effective November 1st, 2018).

Unfortunately, there is still conflicting information on Ryan Air's website, even within the very same FAQs:

We have increased the size of the free small carry-on bag by over 40% from 35 x 20 x 20cm (14,000 cm³) to 40 x 20 x 25cm (20,000 cm³).

All passengers are entitled to bring 1 small personal bag on board which must fit under the seat in front of you (35cm x 20cm x 20cm). Examples include, handbag, laptop bag and small back pack.

Fix your damn website Ryan Air and, please, stop posting conflicting polices!

CombatCritic Gives Ryan Air's Website And Their Conflicting Baggage Policies 1 Bomb Out Of 10 And A Spot On My WALL OF SHAME ... More Bombs Are Better!

One Bomb Equates To:

Translation for Civilians: "Fucked Up Beyond All Repair"

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

United Airlines Personnel At Chicago O'Hare Disrespect U.S. Combat Disabled Veteran

United Airlines

233 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

Phone number (800) 864-8331

Website: united.com

Prices: $$$$

My wife and I have been flying United and Star Alliance airlines faithfully for years, both internationally (41 countries so far) and domestically. I also use my United Mileage Plus credit card for most purchases, totaling a great deal in the past few years.

Having accumulated over 100,000 miles, we decided to visit my wife's family in Italy. Redeeming the miles was relatively painless and so was the trip UNTIL WE GOT TO CHICAGO O'HARE ... United Airlines hometown for cryin' out loud!

O'Hare has some of the rudest employees of any airport I have traveled through and that totals quite a few. I love Chicago, but I hate O'Hare!

I had two United Club passes that we needed to use before they expired, but by the time we landed, we had just an hour and a half before boarding because the plane was delayed departing Portland because ground crew hit the plane with a vehicle, then there was an ill passenger that needed emergency attention upon arrival.

Upon arrival in Chicago, we found out that the Terminal C (where we landed and were departing from) United Club was closed for renovations, so we went to United's Polaris Lounge immediately next to our gate, assuming they would accept oir passes due to the closure of the Terminal C club. The woman who met us at the door was extremely rude, quickly ushering us out the door because we were just lowly "economy" international pax, not "business or first class". She told me we would have to walk 15 minutes (30 minutes total roundtrip) to the United Club in Terminal B, basically shooing us away. I told her that I am a disabled veteran (it was 11/12, the day after Veteran's Day) and that it was difficult for me to walk that far, particularly with such a short connection thanks mostly to United 's incompetence, but she could obviously care less.

We ended up making the 30 minute walk, leaving us just 20 minutes in the club (a huge waste of $100 worth of club passes) before having to make the return trip to catch our flight to Brussels. I then asked the gate agent about possible upgrades to Economy Plus or Business, but he looked at me like I had a dick growing out of my forehead, laughing as he said "absolutely not!"

Sitting in row 43 (of 46), two of the three dinner options (cream chicken and vegetarian) were gone by the time the flight attendant got to us, leaving only the pasta option which contained tomatoes. My wife is allergic to tomatoes, so I asked what our options were. The flight attendant gave my wife the tray with a small (disgusting) salad, a bread roll, and a cup of ice cream, saying "I guess you'll have to eat that". I told her that was unacceptable, asking how she could expect my wife to go without dinner. Feeling guilty, Anel (that was her name) said that she would give my wife her meal and eat the pasta herself, a very kind gesture. Anel arrived about 30 minutes later with a beautiful pork chop from First Class, so my wife finally had something to eat thanks to her kindness.

I am cancelling my Mileage Plus card, along with the $95 annual fee, as soon as I get home. United Airlines had better train their Chicago employees on customer service skills, particularly considering it is their home city. Some compassion toward disabled passengers, particularly those who sacrificed 20+ years of their lives to protect your freedom, might also be in order.

CombatCritic Gives United Airlines 2 Bombs Out Of 10 ... 1 Extra Bomb For Anel's Compassion ... More Bombs Are Better!

Two Bombs Equates To

Read Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp - Elite '14/'15/'16/'17 - 650,000+ Views A Year

Tabelog - Official Judge (Silver)

Zomato - #1 Ranked "Verified" Foodie - Over 1,890,733 Review And Photo Views

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube

Read Chris S.'s review of United Airlines on Yelp

Title: United Airlines Personnel At Chicago O'Hare Disrespect U.S. Combat Disabled Veteran

Key Words: United Airlines, United, airlines, airline, airplane, commercial, Chicago O'Hare, Chicago, O'Hare, airport, veteran, disrespect, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, business, review, Yelp

Translation for Civilians: Tango-Uniform = "Tits Up"

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Dallas,TX: I Wish Southwest Flew To Europe And Asia

Southwest Airlines

Dallas Love Field (DAL)

2702 Love Field Dr

Dallas, TX 75235

Phone number: (214) 792-4000

Website: southwest.com

Prices: $$$$

As we all know, major airlines suck ... snooty, rude crews that obviously hate customers, terrible food, and too many restrictions. I have flown Southwest for many years and have always been impressed with their efficiency, professionalism, and friendliness of the airline and its crews. Having been an Air Force Transporter, working with military aircraft and passengers for many years, I know how difficult a job they have and the constraints they must work under, so it is about time that I wrote this review.

Flying from Kansas City to Portland on Flight 518 (1/31/17), my Las Vegas based crew were Captain Criswell, First Officer Diamantopoulos, Flight Attendant Lisa, Flight Attendant Rob, and Flight Attendant Armando. On the return trip, Jules and Jennifer took good care of me on Flight 405 from Portland to Denver, even decorating the galley, and themselves, for Valentine's Day

Flight 405 (PDX-DEN) Crew - Jennifer (Left) and Jules (Right)

Southwest's boarding system is second to none. Lufthansa, being German and typically anal, also has very efficient boarding procedures and crews, but they are cold and aloof as most Germans are perceived to be (I am half German by the way, so don't go all PC on me you flaming liberals). We lined up in two rows, everybody respecting their numbered place in line. There is no need for the massive gaggle of passengers wanting to be the first ones on the plane as is the case with most airlines. The TV monitors tell you when to board and you effortlessly hand the agent your boarding pass and pick your seat. That is correct, no pre-assigned seats.

I was first warmly greeted by Lisa, then Rob came, as friendly as can be, to take my drink order. By the way, booze is just $5 on Southwest with room for a profit margin, but not gouging passengers like the major airlines do ($8-$9 for a drink). Then Armando graciously insisted that I pass on the way to the loo (that's toilet for you Yanks), even though he had a tray full of drinks in his hand.

Unlike United Express, which we normally fly out of KC (because we normally travel overseas), Southwest's aircraft was modern and spotless, even the loos. United Express planes are gross and held together with duct tape. I kiss the ground and thank the Lord every time I arrive safely on United Express and I am very far what you would call a bible thumper. Half of the plane was full, so we even had our choice of seats with just one person to a row if we wanted.

Southwest is always an easy ride and the crews are routinely friendly if not downright hilarious. I have flown there US-only competitors and there is no competition in my mind. Compared to the stuffy, I hate passengers, attitudes on United, Delta and other major airlines, Southwest is a breath of fresh air and the crews of Flights 518 (MCI-PDX - 1/31/17) and 405 (PDX-DEN - 2/7/17) were a delight. Heck, you can even watch free live TV on many domestic flights.

Thank you Southwest and thank you Captain Cris, First Officer I can't pronounce you Greek last name, Lisa, Rob and Armando, Jennifer, and, especially, Jules ... it was a pleasure flying with you ... WELL DONE!

CombatCritic Gives Southwest Airlines And The Crew Of Flights 518 (1/31/17) And 405 (2/7/17) 10 Bombs Out Of 10 And, An Airline First Ever, Spot On My "WALL OF FAME" ... More Bombs Are Better!

Ten Bombs Equates To:

"Phonetic spelling of the acronym HUA, which stands for 'Heard Understood Acknowledged.' Originally used by the British in the late 1800's in Afghanistan. More recently adopted by the United States Army to indicate an affirmative or a pleased response." - Urban Dictionary

"The Department of Military Science and Leadership, University of Tennessee claim HOOAH 'refers to or means anything except no' ... Regardless of its meaning ... the term is an expression of high morale, confidence, motivation and spirit." - WarChronicle.com

"The U.S. Air Force stole 'HOOAH' from the Army because we were part of the Army until 1947 and rather than waste a bunch of time coming up with something new and unique, we said 'fuck it, let's go with HOOAH' ... thanks Army ... HOOAH! - CombatCritic

Read Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp - Elite '14/'15/'16/'17

Tabelog - Official Judge (Silver)

Zomato - #1 Ranked "Verified" Foodie

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube

Read Chris S.'s review of Southwest Airlines on Yelp

Title: Dallas,TX: I Wish Southwest Flew To Europe And Asia

Key Words: Southwest Airlines, Southwest, airline, airlines, plane, Dallas, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Denver, crew, airplane, airport, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, service, review, Yelp

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Chicago O'Hare Airport - Wild Goose Chase, Premature Closing Left This Weary Traveler Unimpressed

United Club

O'Hare International Airport - Concourse F

Chicago, IL 60666

Web: United.com

My experiences with United Airlines are hit-and-miss, occasionally brilliant, but more often than not disappointing.

After being told by the agent at the United luggage transfer desk in Terminal 5 that my connecting flight would leave from "Terminal 1, Concourse C", I made the mistake of believing him, finding out once there that it was actually leaving from Terminal 2, Concourse F, a 30-minute walk away. By the time I finally found my gate, I was not a happy camper, so I decided to waste one of my two United Club passes I get each year on their Chicago O'Hare (Concourse F) facility.

With two hours before my departure just a few gates away, I asked the woman at reception what time they closed and was told "10pm, giving me a little less than two hours before I had to board my plane. Tired after nearly 20 hours of travel and 30 minutes of unnecessary walking, I decided to use my last pass and what a mistake that was!

What little food there was available (olives, hummus, pita chips, cheese cubes and Skittles) was mostly depleted at 8:15 when I arrived. An hour after I arrived and 45 minutes before their scheduled closing they started putting food and alcohol away as I was told "last call" by the bartender. Seeing little reason to stick around during the commotion and chaos of employees eagerly preparing to flea work, I decided to leave.

I asked the women at the front desk why the employees were shutting everything down well before closing time and with several customers still in the club, but was told "they want to go home". I said, "yes, but you told me they were open until 10pm and it is only 9:15". One of the women said, "you can make a complaint on the website if you aren't happy".

The only reason they get two stars is because of the free booze (well drinks, bottled beer, and wine), the place was clean, and the employees relatively friendly (a rarity in Chicago O'Hare).

CombatCritic Gives United Club (O'Hare - Concourse F) 3 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!

Read Reviews By CombatCritic:

Yelp - "Elite '14/'15"

TripAdvisor - "Top Contributor"

Tabelog - "Official Judge (Bronze)

Zomato - "#2 Ranked Foodie"

... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube

Title: Wild Goose Chase, Premature Closing Left This Weary Traveler Unimpressed

Key Words: United Airlines, United, airlines, airline, fly, airplane, United Club, club, Chicago, O'Hare, airport, terminal, CombatCritic, TravelValue, travel, value, food, definitive, review, guide

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

CombatCritic Q&A: Should I be concerned about the ticket I purchased on JustFly.com?

I received a great question on my post JustFly.com Offers A Good Price, But Little Else and thought I should share it will all of my readers:
john gMay 25, 2015 at 7:20 PM

Hello, have you had the opportunity to use this ticket yet? Many negative posts making me most concerned about my ticket.
C.T. Sorrentino, aka "CombatCritic"June 9, 2015 at 2:04 AM

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you John, but Blogger does not notify me when I have new comments.

There are no problems with the tickets. You get what you pay for, but my concerns were strictly with the website interface and lack of options available. In this case, we saved a couple hundred dollars by using Justfly.com, so it was worth the inconvenience of having to visit two airline websites (Brussels Airlines to and Lufthansa from Europe) to enter frequent flyer information, choose seats, and otherwise manage the reservations. I recommend comparing the lowest fares on JustFly to those found on Kayak.com and other consolidator websites (where you can store your frequent flyer numbers and preferences) before making a decision.

I would not be concerned about your ticket.

Thanks for the great question!
Read More Reviews By CombatCritic On Yelp And TripAdvisor ... And Don't Forget To Subscribe To TravelValue TV on YouTube
Title: CombatCritic Q&A: Should I be concerned about the ticket I purchased on JustFly.com?
Key Words: question and answer, question, answer, CombatCritic, TravelValue, JustFly.com, JustFly, airline, ticket, reservation, consolidator, website, online, review

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Yelp: Twelve Years of Loyalty, Zero Return Fire

Friday, July 19, 2019

London, England: British Airways Dropped The Ball And Could Care Less

Friday, October 19, 2018

Ryan Air's Conflicting And Confusing Carry On Policy Deciphered (1 NOV 2018)

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

United Airlines Personnel At Chicago O'Hare Disrespect U.S. Combat Disabled Veteran

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Dallas,TX: I Wish Southwest Flew To Europe And Asia

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Chicago O'Hare Airport - Wild Goose Chase, Premature Closing Left This Weary Traveler Unimpressed

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

CombatCritic Q&A: Should I be concerned about the ticket I purchased on JustFly.com?

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