My Delta flight was a pleasant experience from the moment I checked in until I landed. Unfortunately, my journey took a turn for the worse when I requested a wheelchair. The wheelchair assistant, who was supposed to escort me from the plane to baggage claim in Boston, demanded payment for his services. I was shocked, as I’d always assumed wheelchair assistance was a complimentary service. Although I usually tip generously, this employee’s unprofessional behavior made me refuse to pay. He then proceeded to demand payment from my daughter when she arrived to pick me up, and she reluctantly paid, assuming the service was now chargeable.
A First-Class Flight with a First-Class Fail
We decided to treat ourselves to a first-class flight, hoping for a luxurious experience. The spacious seats were a welcome treat, but the flight crew’s late arrival significantly delayed our flight. This caused chaos for many passengers who were trying to make connecting flights. My heart went out to them. To add insult to injury, one of our checked bags went missing. Delta’s online support was unhelpful, and while the baggage claim staff were kind and sympathetic, we spent almost two hours waiting for our missing luggage. Eventually, it was found, but we had to drive back to the airport to retrieve it. This whole ordeal completely soured the experience, and I’m not rushing to splurge on first class again anytime soon. This flight was a perfect example of how even a premium experience can turn into a stressful nightmare due to poor service.
A Norse Atlantic Nightmare
Norse Atlantic Airways has earned the dubious title of the worst airline I’ve ever encountered, and trust me, I’ve seen my fair share. From the get-go, they forced me to check my carry-on duffel bag even though it easily fits under the seat. Their reason? It wasn’t a “personal item.” The audacity! They also charged an outrageous $125€ for the duffle and another $125€ for my wife’s checked bag. This extortionate pricing scheme for basic necessities left us feeling like we were being ripped off.
The in-flight experience was just as bad. A disabled gentleman was unjustly harassed for his scooter, which he had been previously authorized to bring onboard. The crew’s unreasonable demands led to a prolonged and stressful situation before they finally acknowledged their mistake. Adding insult to injury, this airline charges for everything, including water, snacks, and even blankets. I’ve never seen an airline so committed to profiting from basic amenities on an international flight. The plane’s unbearably cold temperature was clearly intentional to encourage people to buy overpriced blankets. Passengers were forced to endure an uncomfortable and freezing journey due to the airline’s greed.
To top it off, the lights were turned on during the red-eye flight so they could sell duty-free items. The entire flight felt like one giant sales pitch. I wouldn’t fly Norse Atlantic again even if they paid me.
A Disorganized Boarding Experience
The boarding process was completely chaotic and unnecessary stressful. Although their seats recline more than other economy seats, this airline’s business model seems to be cramped spaces with more reclining room. The passenger behind us didn’t understand this concept, and harassed my wife throughout the flight for reclining her seat. Even after we called for a flight attendant to help de-escalate the situation, the crew did nothing. This clearly shows a lack of training and awareness regarding their business model. If they promise passengers comfortable reclining seats, they should ensure their staff are trained to handle any issues related to it.
