Delta Airlines is known for its reliable service, but my recent experience left me with a bitter taste. Everything seemed smooth sailing from check-in to arrival, but a terrible encounter with a wheelchair attendant soured the whole journey.
Upon requesting a wheelchair, I was shocked when the attendant demanded payment. I’d always assumed wheelchair assistance was a complimentary service, and even if it wasn’t, I would have gladly tipped. But this individual forcefully insisted on payment, and when I refused, he turned his anger on my daughter who was meeting me at the baggage claim. She reluctantly paid him, fearing further confrontation.
I was extremely upset by this encounter, and it left a terrible impression of Delta’s customer service. It’s incredibly important for airlines to ensure their staff treat customers with respect and dignity, especially when dealing with individuals requiring assistance.
First Class Flight, Second Class Experience
We decided to treat ourselves to first-class seats on our next flight, hoping for a more luxurious experience. The spacious seats were a welcome change, but the flight’s start was anything but luxurious. The flight crew arrived late, causing a domino effect of delays and stressful connections for other passengers. Our sympathy for those affected was heightened by our own baggage mishap.
Despite checking four bags, only three arrived at the carousel. Hours of waiting and contacting customer service yielded no results, and the missing luggage eventually found its way back to us, requiring an inconvenient return trip to the airport.
This experience made me question the value of splurging on first-class travel. We seemed to encounter worse service and mishaps than we’ve experienced in economy, and I doubt we’ll be opting for first class anytime soon.
Norse Atlantic Airways: A Flight to Forget
I travel frequently, and I can confidently say Norse Atlantic Airways is the absolute worst airline I’ve ever encountered. Their unreasonable baggage policies are a prime example of their poor practices. They forced me to check my carry-on bag, despite it comfortably fitting under the seat, claiming my backpack was not a “personal item”. This resulted in a hefty $125€ fee per bag, adding insult to injury.
The lack of free amenities on this international flight was astounding. Water, snacks, even blankets were all subjected to a hefty price tag. The uncomfortable cabin temperature, which seemed intentionally frigid to drive sales of overpriced blankets, added another layer of discomfort to the already-trying experience.
During the flight, the crew caused unnecessary delay and friction by unjustly challenging a handicapped passenger about his scooter. Despite having all the necessary paperwork, the crew unfairly questioned his rights. This frustrating incident only worsened the passengers’ overall experience.
The disorganized boarding and unhelpful crew during a passenger dispute further contributed to the miserable experience. Norse Atlantic Airways’ “business model” is clearly designed to maximize profits at the expense of passenger comfort and dignity. I will never fly with them again, and I highly recommend anyone considering it to look elsewhere.
