We’re noticing the jump in flight delays and cancellations all over the world today. The number of canceled flights is astonishing. Many news resources published the crowds of people and thousands of baggage stuck in the airports this summer. So, what is happening?
Here the main issues travelers experience with airlines are:
- Flights delays
- Flight cancellations
- Refund issues
- Destroyed baggage
- Delayed or lost baggage
- Extra fees
Flight Delays
What causes flight delays? We know that the main reason for flight delays has always been weather. But not this year. Staffing issues have become a number one problem for airlines. This has happened due to booming travel demands following the easing of pandemic restrictions on board.
Flight Cancellations
We, at PissedConsumer, receive a lot of consumer reviews about issues with flight cancellations. People write they are being stuck at the airport for hours or even days.
In one United Airlines review, a user described what was happening when the airline faced issues with flights: “...We were left abandoned in every airport with no toiletries and my children sleeping on floors. All my medications were in my luggage I was extremely sick at the airport…”
Refund Issues
This is probably the most frequent issue that airlines face. Booking cancellation can occur from both sides - when the airline cancels the flight or a customer decides to return a ticket. Anyway, in most cases, a customer goes through the whole stage of refund fulfillment and returns payment processing. Sometimes, a customer does not get the full price for a ticket and has to deal with the airline customer support for a long time.
Like, for example, this Lufthansa customer who wasn't able to return even the half of paid amount: “...I lost $1640 I was refunded $700…”.
Here is the story of an Air France customer: “...Our travel agent has tried since June 2021 to get our refund of $10,285.38 for our round trip from SFO to Paris…”
Destroyed Baggage
It seems like destroyed baggage has become a top issue that is happening with airlines today. Recently, we’ve received a lot of consumer complaints where customers of different airlines like Lufthansa, LOT Polish airlines, Delta, and American Airlines, complain that their baggage was ruined.
Watch the video of Delta Airlines customer:
Delayed or Lost Baggage
There are many complaints about delayed or lost baggage. Sometimes this issue causes real discomfort or even serious problems. According to consumer reviews, one of the recently most complained about airlines that faced this issue was Lufthansa.
_“...While arriving DUB we didn't het our 4 luggages. Yet its missing. There is no response from the airline or airports…”, - _says Shafeek in her Lufthansa review.
Extra Fees
This is another common issue with airlines, as the rules for carrying baggage or extra bags vary from one airline to another. People often are confused with fees and are unwilling to pay more. However, in most cases, customers are forced to pay an extra fee if the airline insists on it. Travelers with Air Canada complained about extra fees they had to pay this summer.
“... they ripped me off. I paid for additional seat room and for the 1 stop flight. No refund for either!..”
What was your flight this summer? Have you faced any issues with airlines? If you have a story to share, visit Pissed Consumer.com