tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post5438772072752051192..comments2024-03-28T14:54:34.646-05:00Comments on MSE CREATIVE CONSULTING BLOG: Airline Crisis Survival GuideMike Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435605216805307424noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-39315130888921360262012-10-27T14:31:41.246-05:002012-10-27T14:31:41.246-05:00If I have issues at the airport, I never deal with...If I have issues at the airport, I never deal with the gate agent. Instead, I call Delta direct.<br /><br />Furthermore, when I travel in Europe, I never deal with the locals (e.g., car rental agencies). Instead, I call the US.<br /><br />Basically, I call where I know I'll get good customer service. This basically means (a) calling the US, and (b) calling way up the chain of command.Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06869462913568377801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-4651509440782641932011-08-30T07:15:47.121-05:002011-08-30T07:15:47.121-05:00Thanks for the comments, great ideas both!Thanks for the comments, great ideas both!Mike Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17435605216805307424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-58878052007092529552011-08-30T01:11:25.148-05:002011-08-30T01:11:25.148-05:00Great advice. I was supposed to spend this past we...Great advice. I was supposed to spend this past weekend in Boston. My flights had been previously upgraded, somewhat complicating the rebooking. As I saw the storm news, I knew that Boston was a terrible idea. As soon as I saw travel waivers appear, we called from home and rebooked to Miami. Had to pay a bit to change the destination, but found a hotel that was cheaper. Using Expert Flyer, I found flights that could be upgraded immediately.<br /><br />I also got caught in Paris when the Eurostar was stalling due to snow and ice in the Chunnel. My flight to the US was leaving from Heathrow. As soon as I heard that British Airways was adding service betweeen LHR and CDG, I booked a ticket to ensure that I would make my flight home. I ended up in the upper deck of a 747 for the short hop to London. Kind of fun, actually. I admire people who can quickly come up with alternates in tough situation.<br /><br />Finally, even though I hate hauling it around, I almost always take my work laptop when going away for a few days. Saves me having to burn more vacation time if a problem occurs.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00258490572969237544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-66953402037736782502011-08-30T00:36:19.723-05:002011-08-30T00:36:19.723-05:00Just noticed this excellent post after reading you...Just noticed this excellent post after reading your comment on an NYT article. One thing I'd add to this, when it comes to rebooking: if you're asking an airline to accommodate you on another flight, know *exactly* what you want and check if it's available. <br /><br />Even if you can't change your booking online, look at the airline's website and sites like ITA Software and figure out what flights that go to your destination still have seats available on them. Write down the flight numbers and departure times for each individual segment. <br /><br />When you call the airline or speak with the agent at the airport, tell them where you need to go and then say "It looks like flight XXX, connecting to flight YYY, has seats tomorrow. Can you book me on that?" When the call centers are swamped, this will let them deal with your issue quickly -- and so they may well be more lenient about using other airlines or creative routings since you're doing them a favor by saving them time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965215084022057128.post-9890969817762989052011-07-03T05:37:10.950-05:002011-07-03T05:37:10.950-05:00It seems your blog has attracted the attention of ...It seems your blog has attracted the attention of the radio weather man who likes to call himself a meteorologist.<br />http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/07/03/climate-craziness-of-the-week-mike-smith-on-this-weeks-stupidest-global-warming-story/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com