Airline troubles -- making a complaint.

We booked a trip through Orbitz that we just got back from. This was our honeymoon week and it ended AWFUL.

On Saturday morning I received the status update from Orbitz that my flight was on schedule.

We got to the airport and the flight no longer existed -- the check-in lady was confused but then said everything was okay, handed our tickets over, etc.

We realized when we sat down that we were on a flight for 45 minutes later. Not a delay. A different flight.

Boarded that flight and upon landing I turned on my phone and got a voicemail saying that our connecting flight had been cancelled and rebooked for 24 hours later.

We haggled at the airport for 8 hours but there were only so many flights and all of them were oversold and there were still people there from Friday so we were put up at a hotel for the night.

We came back to the airport yesterday and were delayed again. All of the other flights in the terminal kept announcing that they too were oversold and looking for volunteers to give up seats and in exchange they'd be given a travel voucher (which I totally understand).

But now we're annoyed because we've been sitting in the middle of nowhere for 24 hours, STILL delayed, our flight is still oversold and no one gave us the option of letting ourselves be inconvenienced in exchange for free tickets. We were given no choice - they just cancelled the flight because they didn't have enough crew. Not maintenance or weather issues. No one is saying sorry for the inconvenience, etc.

In addition -- they pulled a LOT of crap on some of the other passengers who were stranded with us and then as we were leaving on Saturday -- the main agent tried to tell us that she called our names to be bumped onto a flight from standby and that we must've missed it -- when we sat right in front of the desk for 8 hours... even checking in every 20 minutes or so.

THEN we find out that on the first possible flight out after the flight we were cancelled (which we were on standby for)... they sent our baggage AND another family's baggage. Not only without us. But to another airport.

We ended up flying to LGA and they sent all our luggage to JFK.

They told us when we got there to make a claim and the luggage would get mailed to us. So yesterday at 1pm they told us 'Your luggage is at JFK it will be there within 10 hours'

Last night, no baggage. This morning, no baggage.

I called this morning and she again told me 'It's at JFK. It will be there in 10 hours'

But I got a call an hour ago saying they still haven't found our baggage. It's still missing.

I'm annoyed. I feel like we should be compensated for the inconvenience. What are chances of complaining my way to some free flights or something?

Has anyone done this? Am I crazy? Should I just let i go?

What happens if they never find out bag? Will they replace our stuff? (This is American Airlines)

Thanks, guys!

Message edited 2/28/2011 1:05:00 PM.

Re: Airline troubles -- making a complaint.

Did you happen to book this trip with an American Express credit card- we had a similar situation, not not nearly as bad as this happen to us and Amex took very good care of us.

I dont know about other cc companies but you should def look into it.

Re: Airline troubles -- making a complaint.

I would definately be calling Orbitz for one to complain to them and ask for some compensation or a refund, that is a crazy nightmare for which was supposed to be a romantic honeymoon. I have no idea about AA replacing your items if they don't find your luggage but i would complain to them as well for even sending your luggage to another airport. Im so sorry you have to go through that!

Re: Airline troubles -- making a complaint.

AA is def good with customer service..I had my bag rummaged through (still not sure if it was TSA or just AA employees) but about $600 of stuff was missing when I got the bag back..and when I wrote a detailed note of what happened and all the stuff that I could remember that was missing and their approx price...they sent me a check to replace it all!

If they never end up finding it...but I am sure they eventually will....it may take a couple of days...bec it is prob sitting in some airport not discovered yet...I would def write a letter I am sure they will do something for you! But they don't want to until they absolutely know it cant be recovered!

Re: Airline troubles -- making a complaint.

Re: Airline troubles -- making a complaint.

I would definitely complain to AA. And dont stop till you get somewhere. If I know you like I think I do, you will get something back

Ask for supervisors- if you cant get anywhere with them ask for their supervisors. Write letters to everyone and their mother. I wouldnt let this go.

Message edited 3/2/2011 2:47:39 PM.