They come in threes, you know

**Pleater** · 4th June 13, 11:31 AM

My son, his wife and two sons just arrived back from a holiday in America - which they mostly enjoyed, it was fine until they tried to leave....

First the booked and confirmed wheelchair for my daughter in law was not available when they arrived at the airport - she is waiting for an operation on her knees and is on crutches, so she had to hobble all the way whilst my son had to carry one not quite walking offspring, who is rather heavy and keep control of one almost four year old who never stops dancing around and wrangle all the luggage into the airport building.

Having got everyone and everything inside my son took back the hire car and handed over his credit card plus the cost of the hire in dollars - expecting to get a full refund, as arranged - yes, says the receptionist - no, not so - my son did not know at the time obviously, but has now found out that the insurance is still on the credit card, plus a transaction charge.

He heads back to collect the family and check in - little Hayden is not on the ticket. He shows the booking form, which has details of all of them - not good enough - pay 150 dollars to take your baby son home.

At least they arrived back safe and sound and hopefully the extra costs will be sorted out in due course, and in the meantime the plastic is taking the strain of the unexpected expenses.

I think he heeds another holiday to get over the last one.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**rlh2** · 4th June 13, 11:42 AM

Hate to hear about the troubles. Hopefully it will get sorted out. Glad they made it home and had a good trip.

**1oldsarge** · 4th June 13, 11:57 AM

Having done some travel last year I found the issues you spoke of on this side of the pond unfortunately isn't unusual. The Dollar has outweighed Customer Service.

**MNlad** · 4th June 13, 04:22 PM

In my more recent travels, I have found commercial airports and their ancillary services to be as close as you can come to organized chaos. You are a number to be inspected, processed, and stamped, and customer service is more a slogan than a reality. If your situation doesn't fit their mold, it's your problem, not theirs. Granted, there are exceptions, but those exceptions seem few and far between.

Glad everyone got home safely, and I hope everything sorts itself out.

**sydnie7** · 4th June 13, 04:30 PM

So sorry to hear of their troubles. Outlining those woes in a calm letter to Customer Service at the various companies/airports involved might bring some recompense (not that a free drink coupon or two is going to make any difference!). But if the complaints don't get back to the company, there is little chance for improvement.

**Liam** · 4th June 13, 08:09 PM

A few letters of complaint would seem in order. They might not do any good, but they often make one feel better!

**seanachie** · 4th June 13, 10:06 PM

Out of curiosity, I wonder about the car insurance. I have a doozie of an experience being stranded in the middle of nowhere in Wyoming and then taking it on the chin for mechanical failure. (does not matter to the rental company, they hold you responsible. I had a state trooper drive 65 miles for a police report that said mechanical failure to no avail.) There are also a lot more state consumer protection laws due to unscrupulous agents sneaking insurance charges on to the bill. It is a contentious topic is the rates are often usurious. If he was billed for something he did not sign or agree to I would be making claims with the credit card company. Fortunately, it was unlikely to be chip and pin transaction in the US.

**David Thorpe** · 5th June 13, 04:41 AM

Sorry to read about the bad experience. The air travel industry here in the states is pretty much rubbish. I avoid flying if at all possible.

**tulloch** · 5th June 13, 05:45 AM

Sorry to hear of the bad aftertaste to a good vacation. He should write to the Attorney General's office in the state where he rented the car, cc the rental company. Might get a quick refund. A letter to the airline might be in order too. Good luck. Let us know how it turns out. Let me know if you have any problem knowing who to write to regarding an Attorney General office.

**cessna152towser** · 5th June 13, 10:30 AM

Sorry to hear this.
Last time I visited USA I arrived home and opened my suitcase to find a note inside saying that my luggage had been opened and inspected by the Transport Security people and giving a disclaimer that they were not liable for any missing items. (I presume they have skeleton keys which let them open and reseal luggage without damage.). Anyway the only thing missing was a highland games programme. Happily another xmarker who had attended the same games was willing to send me a replacement.