I must admit that I don’t enjoy flying as much as I used to. Funny – because many of the people I speak to about this subject feel the exact same way. A few weeks ago I had one of my flights cancelled on American Airlines. Let me start by saying that AA is not only my preferred airline, but I truly believe they do a nice job overall. Anyway, my flight was cancelled because the aircraft was taken out of service and needed to stay another night in Atlanta. This made me think about the next time I need to change my travel arrangements – meaning I need to fly back to Dallas earlier, later or whatever – American Airlines will more than likely charge me a $150.00 change fee. Sound familiar?
Well, can’t we change that way of thinking?
If I went to my American Airlines account I would see segments flown this year, miles, and first class upgrades… How about another category called “Free Flight Changes”? What I mean is for every flight that American Airlines cancels, they would give me 1 point. I then get to use that point when I need to make a change to my travel arrangements. Your account can never go negative meaning you have to have a point in your account to get a change fee waived.
- What do you think?
- Could this work?
- Does this make sense?
I look forward to your thoughts.
Fee Sepahi says:
I totally agree and would add that a free flight for every cancelled flight, due to crews not showing up, plane’s not being maintained etc., would go a long way to straightening out this industry.
Roger Austin says:
I agree. How about a point for every 2 hours you wait beyond your originally scheduled flight. I waited 10 hours in Philly a couple of weeks ago.
Please get this done.
Jeff says:
I totally agree!
Phil Harriau says:
You’re on to something! Plus if one major airline did this, then all of em would in order to stay competitive.
Karen Dawson says:
It’s brilliant….that’s why the airlines will never adopt it.
michael mermelstein says:
Great idea – getting something for our hassles, have to like it.
Diane Wagner says:
“Agree, Merrill. The Airline Industry seems to have lost its way in terms of being customer-focused and customer-friendly. Ideas like this would go a long way towards helping things!”