Delta Air Lines provided a smooth journey from check-in to arrival. However, my trip took an unfortunate turn when I requested a wheelchair. The wheelchair attendant in Boston, tasked with transporting me from the plane to baggage claim, shockingly demanded payment.
I was under the impression this service was complimentary, and I typically tip generously for good service. However, the attendant insisted on payment, leaving me feeling frustrated and unfairly treated. When my daughter arrived to pick me up, the attendant shamelessly demanded payment from her as well. She reluctantly paid, assuming this was a new, unexpected policy.
This experience left a bitter taste in my mouth, especially given my positive experience with Delta’s overall flight.
First Class Fails: A Flight From Luxury to Disappointment
We decided to splurge on first-class seats for this trip, hoping for a comfortable and stress-free journey. While the spacious seats lived up to expectations, the flight crew’s late arrival at the airport significantly delayed our departure.
This caused major inconvenience for many passengers, who had to scramble to make connecting flights. I felt empathetic towards them as we all experienced the consequences of this oversight.
Adding insult to injury, we checked four bags, but only three made it to the baggage claim carousel. After nearly two hours of waiting, the missing bag was finally located, forcing us to drive back to the airport to retrieve it.
This chaotic experience left me questioning the value of first class and convinced me to avoid splurging on it in the future. While the baggage claim staff were kind and helpful, the poor communication from Delta’s online assistance left me feeling frustrated.
This incident highlights the importance of reliable baggage handling and efficient customer service, even when flying first class.
Norse Atlantic: A Flight From Nightmare to Nightmares
My Norse Atlantic Airways flight was arguably the worst travel experience I’ve encountered. From the outset, they forced me to check my carry-on bag despite it fitting comfortably under the seat.
They deemed my backpack “not a personal item” and charged an exorbitant €125 for both my carry-on bag and my wife’s checked bag, totaling a staggering €250.
The flight itself was plagued by further issues. A disabled gentleman was unjustly questioned about his scooter, which he had been cleared to bring on board. The airline’s insistence on questioning his permission, despite his clear documentation, resulted in a lengthy and unnecessary delay for everyone on board.
The lack of basic amenities was equally outrageous. Even water was not provided free of charge on this international flight. Passengers were forced to queue up at the bathroom sinks to fill their empty bottles.
The frigid temperature on the aircraft felt deliberately set to encourage passengers to purchase blankets. This, combined with the unreasonably early illumination of the cabin lights during a red-eye flight, made for an excruciatingly uncomfortable journey.
The constant attempts to upsell passengers with duty-free products during the flight further highlighted the airline’s blatant disregard for passenger comfort and well-being.
My advice? Avoid Norse Atlantic Airways at all costs. The inconvenience and discomfort are simply not worth it.
Disorganized Boarding, Frustrated Passengers: A Recipe for Unpleasant Travel
The boarding process was chaos, adding unnecessary stress to an already long journey. The airline’s business model emphasizes tight spaces but compensates with reclining seats, designed to make sleep more comfortable.
However, this seemingly thoughtful feature led to a frustrating encounter with a disgruntled passenger who felt our reclining seats were interfering with his personal space. Despite our immediate efforts to resolve the situation with the flight attendants, they failed to intervene, allowing the passenger to continue harassing my wife throughout the entire eight-hour flight.
This lack of mediation and de-escalation from the flight attendants demonstrated a clear need for improved training and communication protocols, particularly when dealing with passenger disputes.
This incident underscores the importance of effective conflict resolution on long-haul flights. Airlines should equip their staff with the necessary skills to handle passenger conflicts fairly and effectively.
