Aircomplane.com’s Spite Attendants’ never-ending quest for safe, comfortable, worry-free air travel has routed us once again to the Department of Transportation and Secretary Ray LaHood. We’re pleased to announce the news seems to be headed in the right direction.
The ability to file complaints with the DOT about airline service has been made easier, thanks to their newly redesigned website: http://airconsumer.dot.gov. Here you have the ability not only to register complaints, but to contribute on-time data, baggage mishandling stories, and information about airline safety and security.
According to LaHood, “This updated web site is part of our ongoing effort to improve resources for consumers and ensure that airline passengers are treated fairly when they fly,” adding, “We want to make it as easy as possible for consumers to find the information they need to make their air travel experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible.”
There are other useful links we invite you to inspect, including travel tips, airline bankruptcy information, and the Air Travel Consumer Report, a monthly ranking of airline performance.
The most useful, (and probably the most used) link is for the DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division, where you file your basic Airline Service Complaint. Jot this information down and keep it handy:
By Phone : 202-366-2220 (TTY 202-366-0511)
By Mail: Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
From their website you can also contact them from their website via filling out a web form found here: http://airconsumer.dot.gov/escomplaint/es.cfm
Don’t forget, fellow aviation consumers: keep those numbers, addresses and forms handy every time you fly! The more vocal we are, the better things will be for everybody!
When your Spite Attendant Crew launched Aircomplane.com, we were determined to make it more than a bitch site. It was important to us to provide actual, helpful information on convincing the airline industry we deserve a better flying experience AND as a voice for those among us who have not been heard.
We realized that as with many relevant blogs, however, we may ultimately not have control over the tone it would take. We’re pleased with the direction it has taken and grateful for your input and support.
We have been monitoring the air travel situation closely, and there is a great deal being discussed about a “Passengers’ Bill of Rights.” We will be discussing that in detail here shortly and bringing you up to speed on where it’s going (or not). In the meantime, we have identified some helpful website resources for you.
Airsafe.com is a helpful site with a section dedicated to “How to Complain About Your Airline Service.” See it here. Some other areas they cover that should make for an easier and more event-free trip are:
Top 10 Baggage Tips
Things you Should Not Bring on Board
Cabin Safety Tips
Power Tips for Using the Internet
A special thanks to contributor Matt for suggesting Gethuman.com. We encourage you to spend some time on this site. It really brings to light some of the basic customer service issues to which we, AS THE ONES SPENDING THE MONEY WITH THEM, are entitled. Make sure you visit the Gethuman.com Core Principles and www.gethuman.com/us. The former should be sent en mass to every airline executive you can locate, and the latter is a list of airline (and other) phone numbers and the quickest way to bypass their voice mail systems. Great job, guys…and their readers (and Matt gets a free t-shirt).
Last word here. Joe Sent Me (http://www.joesentme.com/) is a helpful, real site for business travelers. Check it out.
More soon.
Remember, it’s your money, you are the passenger, and you are entitled to respectable customer service and value for your business. Don’t take crap you don’t deserve. Complain until they hear us, and let Your Spite Attendants know if we can help (info@aircomplane.com).
