Two days ago I was scheduled to fly from BWI to Boston on Delta Airlines. I was due there for work. See my boarding pass above. A total nightmare ensued from the customer service point of view. I am not looking forward to flying Delta again. Even if I have to pay more, I will avoid them in the future. Unfortunately, I still have flights on Delta to come this summer. Anyway, here is the story:
- Flight DL 5414 to Boston is delayed from 6:50pm to 7:25pm.
- It's not exactly a long delay. We all get on board. Ready for take-off.
- Announcement comes over the PA. Hang on says the flight attendant. The flight might be illegal.
- Everyone has to get off. Flight is canceled because the FAA has rules about the maximum number of hours a day.
- People are not pleased. Shaking their heads in disbelief. But they have no idea what is going to happen next.
- Back in the terminal building. Bad news. There is no room for us on the remaining flight out tonight.
- They are flying a reduced schedule on Saturday. That's tomorrow. More bad news. No room for us on Saturday either.
- Long line, all the people from the plane. Two customer service representatives only, so a long wait.
- When I get to the front of the line. Sunday is offered. Two nights stranded at BWI waiting on a flight to Boston! 2 nights! Unreal.
- No compensation is offered. No other airlines are offered. I don't want to spend two nights stranded at BWI.
- I asked for a refund. They can't do it for me on the computer at the gate. Told me to go back out through security to the check-in area and line up there.
- Go outside. Line up again. Line #2. Very slow. Only two people working.
- Nearly to the front. Customer service representative asks me why am I lining up? I need to call Delta Direct to get my ticket portion refunded. I said I was told to line up!
- Go over to courtesy phone. All representatives are busy... About half an hour on the phone. Eventually, I'm told my problem is fixed.
- Go downstairs. Pick up my two checked bags. Wait for shuttle bus service to rental car center.
- It's 9:30pm now. Rented a car from Budget. $126 + gas + tolls.
- 410 mile drive. An all-nighter. From BWI up I-95 to Boston. Heavy traffic in parts.
- Dawn arrives. 6:30am next morning. I arrive at my hotel in Cambridge MA pretty exhausted.
