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| Orbitz & American Airlines, is this business or a scam ? https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=28004 |
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| Author: | Shamas [ Tue Apr 07, 2009 3:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Orbitz & American Airlines, is this business or a scam ? |
I purchased First Class reservations using Orbitz. My search criteria was for Business Class and the advertisement on Orbitz clearly and without any indications of any other wise circumstances stated First Class accommodations were being offered. At the end of the booking process I printed out my confirmation Itinerary and to my shock saw I was booked as Economy. I've talked to Orbits twice, 2 Customer Service Reps and one Supervisor plus sent them an email asking what is going on. The first Customer Service Rep sounded like she was from India and the best she could tell me (after she had a long talk with American Airlines Customer Service) was I had purchased a Full Fair Economy Ticket that would be upgraded. I decided to wait on my email response and to do some research. The email response was worthless, it said call Customer Service, which I did again. This time I got a local lady and she understood my position and said they had problems with other people who had brought tickets like this and that she would forward my concerns. She called American Air and got back with me, basically the same story, IF a premium seat was available I would get it, all of this was in their terms and conditions. I dug in my claws and with my best snarl told her there was no way in this world I was going to pay top dollar to take a gamble on getting a premium seat. She guarantee me that AA said I would not have a problem. I informed her I already have a problem, I feel that I’ve been suckered in on an illegal consumer fraud scam that is based on the Bait and Switch tactic which is clearly illegal in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Pretty quick I’m talking to a supervisor. She tried the line that there was no basis for my complaint as their Terms and Conditions clearly stated they had the right to this practice. I clearly stated to her that I asked for Business Class, they advertised First Class with NO indications of any stipulations and that she was violating the Consumer Fraud Laws and that I would be calling the Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau and the News Paper Consumer Fraud protection reporter. I got put on hold so she could call American Air. Again the explanation is "I've purchased a full fair Economy Ticket and if a Premium seat is available I'll get the premium seat." In my best controlled snarl and very pointed and meanest tone I told her This is business at it's worst! Advertising up front FIRST CLASS then using the Illegal Bait and Switch tactic to try to sucker in well intentioned customers. This is the type of shoddy and underhanded practices I expect from 3rd world shysters, not from Orbitz and American Airlines. Shame on you and your low life, scamming, gutter trash, dishonest practices. I could pretty well tell I was off her Christmas mailing list. I stuck to my position that from the beginning they had advertised First Class then after the close of the deal they informed me it was a gamble and I was only guaranteed Economy, this was shoddy and very poor business and after all of my years of dealing with Orbitz I was going to look else where for an honest business partner. She said she and Orbits were honest at which point I cut her off and said she could save her breath, anyone who advertised First Class up front in bold letters then changes the deal after it is done is NOT an honest nor creditable company. I now have a $50 credit with Orbitz, the supervisor admitted the practice could be better and that AA guaranteed her I would get first class treatment for this reservation BUT IF I change my reservations the best I can get guaranteed is Economy. I thanked her, informed her I was not after money I was after business being done the right way in America and that I would be calling AA, my Attorney General, the News Paper and the Better Business Bureau. I’ve found out that AA can only be contacted via email, fax or snail mail, sould like Orbitz might have lied a few times about talking to AA. The BBB in Dallas Fort Worth is worthless, I’m down to my Attorney General and the Newspaper Consumer advocate. |
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| Author: | Cujo's [ Tue Apr 07, 2009 3:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Damn that sux. I'd be interested to know how this turns out for you. Good luck, Cujo |
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| Author: | BrownCow [ Tue Apr 07, 2009 4:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
the phone number for AA is: 1-800-882-8880 That's for the Advantage customer service... which is the only people worth calling... |
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| Author: | Nhhank [ Tue Apr 07, 2009 4:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
This does suck That unrestricted eco seat is expensive I look around for a good flight on-line then go to my local travel agent she can match the fare and the 25 bucks I pay for the service eliminates any unknow charges not to mention itinerary changes Yes it is nice to buy at the cheapest price Being able to call a person you know to fix travel woes 
Priceless |
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| Author: | HolaB [ Tue Apr 07, 2009 5:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Orbitz & American Airlines, is this business or a sc |
Shamas wrote: I’ve found out that AA can only be contacted via email, fax or snail mail, sould like Orbitz might have lied a few times about talking to AA. The BBB in Dallas Fort Worth is worthless, I’m down to my Attorney General and the Newspaper Consumer advocate. Shamas, Welcome to my world, won't you come inside....... AA is not known for making humans available to rectify issues. They would rather you communicate via email. Try calling the Refund Dept. in Tulsa, only two people man this dept. and after 45 calls in two wks.,(all lines are busy) I sent Customer Service an email, an auto message was sent back acknowledging my email 
Once again, this line from days past.....We're American Airlines screwing our hometown clients. Tell me why DFW is $200- $300 more to any central or south american destination than ORD. DFW is their home and largest hub    Let the Koreans will buy them out the next time they head towards bankruptcy 
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| Author: | JazzboCR [ Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
" Call the 1-800-433-7300 # Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages". This is from a quote at www.gethuman.com a co-operative effort to gather and distribute info about getting through to humans at corporations, etc. |
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| Author: | Shamas [ Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:31 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks guys. Some of the guys on the SEA board were as supportive but didn't have phone numbers. Just letting you all know to beware when dealing with Orbits and AA. HolaB, one of the SEA guys is down on AA like you are, just on how bad they treat you face to face. I've called the attorney generals consumer affairs division and have an appointment next week. The newspaper consumer advocate wants to see me this week. The newspapers Sunday travel editor wants to talk with me. My old high school buddy who has a part time job as a U.S. Congressdman has been contacted and I've called my old viper attorney, Fang, he works for human remains. I have gotten an email from AA, they blame Orbits. I've gotten an email from the Senior VP of Orbits, he's surprised and is investigating. Me, I'm attacking, being retired I have time on my hands. Shamas O'D |
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| Author: | Hank [ Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:35 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Orbitz & American Airlines, is this business or a sc |
HolaB wrote: Shamas wrote: Tell me why DFW is $200- $300 more to any central or south american destination than ORD. DFW is their home and largest hub Let the Koreans will buy them out the next time they head towards bankruptcy B Because AA has the only non-stop flight available to SJO or PTY. Pricing is based on competition not on flight mileage. It sucks. Was told this by customer service rep |
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| Author: | Witling [ Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
You might also want to contact Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate and travel guru. He can often get through where mere mortals get stalled. Here is a story from his website entitled "Downgraded Without a Refund": http://www.elliott.org/the-troubleshoot ... -a-refund/ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10912488/ http://www.elliott.org/ http://www.elliott.org/blog/ |
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| Author: | Diablito [ Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Fraud |
The legal term for this is ' Fraud in the inducement'. Clearly misleading statements in advertising are fraudulent and in many states considered to be an unfair and predatory business practice. Generally you will find sympathy in a small claims court. Basically you figure out what the ticket is really worth versus what you paid and then file suit. It's quick, easy and generally effective. Usually you have to serve two copies, one on the corporation and IF they are not located in your state, then you serve the second copy to your secretary of state. Some states allow double and treble damages. If you want to send a registered snail mail or law suit: ARP Corp Girard Arpey CEO 4333 Amon Carter Blvd Forth Worth, Texas 76155 Oh, and file jointly against Orbitz at the same time. |
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| Author: | Shamas [ Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Today I got home and on CSPAN II what do I see, the Congressional Subcommitte for Commerce, Trade and Consumer protection meeting with the Chief of the Federal Trade Commission. Geeze, what a coincidence. I've filed a complaint with the FTC against Orbitz and AA and filed an inquiry with the Subcommitte. I talked with my Congressman's top assistance and have his support. I just got an email from the Orbitz Sr. VP for Customer Relations, admitting that I am correct and that they have to correct the way they present these Promos. Thanks for all of the info, hoping this deception gets cleared up. Shamas O'MadDog |
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| Author: | Senordos [ Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Shamas, You should post your story on Flyertalk.com. You're likely to get alot of support there. |
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| Author: | Jmacaula [ Thu Apr 09, 2009 1:41 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Holy. So Im curious. At any time before you went on your tell the world rampage, did you simply just ask for your money back? Not that Im agreeing with them or you. It seems kind of stupid given that if your going to be given a first class ticket why not just issue it now if its so guaranteed. Ive personally had great relations with AA. As someone mentioned, if your a FF, call their hotline. They have always been uber informative with me, and resolved all issues I had. AA does have a few phone numbers floating around as well. I usually write them down as I read them on blogs, or CNN travel and such. |
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| Author: | HolaB [ Thu Apr 09, 2009 9:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Orbitz & American Airlines, is this business or a sc |
Hank wrote: HolaB wrote: Shamas wrote: Tell me why DFW is $200- $300 more to any central or south american destination than ORD. DFW is their home and largest hub Let the Koreans will buy them out the next time they head towards bankruptcy B Because AA has the only non-stop flight available to SJO or PTY. Pricing is based on competition not on flight mileage. It sucks. Was told this by customer service rep Hank, Don't drink the Kool-Aid AA offers you 
There are NO direct flights out of ORD to SJO or PTY. All flights originating out of ORD stop in Mia.,Hou., Atl., NY. PHX, LAX or Charlotte. ORD has 11 available options from various airlines to SJO. DFW has 10. So much for that theory. Pac 55 at one time gave a better explanation for the pricing irregularities. DFW acts a connector airport. Our friends from Seattle, Joplin Mo., Salt Lake and many points east of the Mississippi all connect here at DFW. Hence many of the seats on that oubound flight to SJO are already sold, leaving fewer seats available to the DFW market. With that said, airlines price those seats based on inventory and if 75% of those seats are already accounted for our fares are priced with this in mind. Trying to figure out the pricing strategy of the airlines is similar to wondering why a girl at the DR would rather go home with no plata then accept $75 for an hours work on a slow Monday night
Shamas cudos to you for staying on top of these bandits! Don't let 'em flush you down the grease trap on this one 
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| Author: | Mendobrew [ Thu Apr 09, 2009 7:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Shamas, I second the suggestion to post this on Flyertalk.com, lots of good airline advice at that site. I believe this has happened before, and was posted about on FT… A couple of things… 1) AA will blame Orbitz… but they know its happening. 2) A full fare ticket is fully refundable. 3) No guarantee you will get that bump…certain elite and FF status ticket holders are in front of full fares; and if this is a popular business flight, your in a middle seat in the back. 4) Most bumps are done at the gate… you will not be able to use the Admirals Club on that fare. I think Orbitz owes you a FULL FARE FIRST CLASS ticket on AA… plus a few vouchers for your time… to keep this out of the press. 
Good luck and let us know what happens. Mendo |
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