United Partner Airline Issue Ruins Wedding Night

Date: 24 December 2011
Airline: United, flight 2533
Location:

I booked a flight for two unaccompanied minors, and paid the additional fees for United to provide an escort. Yet, on Christmas Eve, my children were left stranded in the airport. The partnering airline refused to allow them to travel. I had chosen United because they were the only airline that assured me they allowed unaccompanied minors and provided supervision for a fee. When I contacted the airline to address the situation, the customer service representatives offered little to no help.

I was on the phone for three hours on my wedding night trying to resolve the situation. I was then forced to then purchase an additional ticket for my brother to escort them. United employees' are directly responsible for failing to ensure that purchasing tickets specifically for unaccompanied flights would be accepted through their partners.

This incident not only nearly stranded two young children on Christmas Eve, but ruined our wedding night and honeymoon, as well as left my brother stuck in airports for the Holidays. United still owes me a refund for the escort fees and should be refunding the additional expensed incurred to provide a chaperone. Lastly, I sent their customer service an email and have yet to get any type of response.

Can't fit standard infant carrier in some US Airways seats

Date: 9 May 2012
Airline: US Airways, flight 1247
Location: West Palm Beach, FL

I was traveling with my 5 month old infant son as well as my 4 year old daughter and mother. My father paid for two seats for the infant, one going to Palm Beach and one for the return flight to Philadelphia There was no problem with using the baby carrier on flight down. However, on return flight, attendant said baby had to be buckled into window seat.

The infant carrier did not fit in the window seat and US Airways' attachment seat buckle did not fit around carrier. US Airways neglected to tell passenger that the older planes do not properly accommodate baby carriers on window seats, even though US Airways mandates that babies have to sit in the window seats.

I had to hold my 17 pound baby during the entire trip. Paid for a choice seat for an additional cost. Seat was never used. I am requesting a refund for the unused return flight seat. Lack of communication regarding baby travel requirements was the fault of US Airways, not the passenger.

-Kristine

Holiday Airline Travel Advice on Security and Baggage

With the holidays comes the joys and the headaches of holiday travel, especially if it involves going to the airport. If you follow AirSafe.com's advice, you could avoid most of the mistakes that passengers make when it comes to packing and air travel.

Advice for infrequent flyers
If you have never flown before or if you have not flown in a long time, you should review the AirSafe.com's Advice for the Infrequent Flyer, which covers some of the basic things you need to know, and also has links to more extensive information about security and baggage issues.

Baggage Advice
The following links will provide you detailed information on a range of baggage related subjects of interest to travelers during the holidays or at any other time of the year:
What the TSA allows in checked and carry-on baggage
Carry-on baggage tips
Top 10 baggage tips
Baggage claim advice
Lost and damaged baggage claims
Duty-free items
Traveling with your laptop
Overhead baggage risks

Security Advice
Top 10 Security Tips
Acceptable identification
Restricted and prohibited items

Other advice
Fear of flying
Traveling with children and infants
Top 10 tips for children traveling alone
How to fly with your pets