Delta Airlines usually provides a smooth travel experience, from check-in to arrival. However, my recent journey took a turn for the worse. I needed a wheelchair to get from the plane to baggage claim in Boston. To my dismay, the wheelchair attendant demanded payment, even though I was under the impression that this was a complimentary service. I always tip generously, but this person’s behavior was appalling. I refused to pay, and when my daughter arrived to pick me up, he demanded payment from her. She reluctantly paid, assuming that maybe the service was now chargeable.
My frustration didn’t end there. We had decided to treat ourselves to first class, but the flight crew’s tardiness caused a significant delay. The delayed departure forced many passengers to scramble for connecting flights. To add insult to injury, one of our checked bags went missing! Delta’s online assistance was unhelpful, and while the baggage claim staff were sympathetic, our wait stretched over two hours. The bag was eventually located, but retrieving it required another trip to the airport. The added stress and inconvenience made this trip anything but enjoyable.
Norse Atlantic: A Nightmare from Start to Finish
Norse Atlantic Airlines is the worst airline I’ve ever encountered, and I’ve flown extensively. They insistently forced me to check my carry-on bag, claiming that my backpack wasn’t a “personal item.” This was ludicrous, as it easily fit under the seat. The exorbitant fees for checked luggage added insult to injury – $125€ for my bag and $125€ for my wife’s. That’s a whopping $250€ for two bags!
Things didn’t get any better once we boarded. A 45-minute delay occurred because the airline staff harassed a handicapped gentleman about his scooter, even though he had the proper documentation and permission to bring it onboard. After a lengthy and unnecessary argument, they finally allowed him to stow it above his seat, but they watched his wife struggle for a minute before offering assistance.
Norse Atlantic is clearly focused on squeezing every penny out of their passengers. They charge for EVERYTHING: water, snacks, blankets. Even water! You might think this is outrageous for an international flight, but passengers were forced to line up to the bathroom to fill empty water bottles. The aircraft was intentionally kept freezing cold, presumably to encourage people to purchase $7€ blankets. Many passengers resorted to changing into extra layers in the bathroom or raiding their carry-on bags for warmer clothes. Those who didn’t have this option endured an excruciating 8.5-hour flight.
To top it off, they turned on the cabin lights in the middle of the night so they could sell their duty “free” products. You can imagine the frustration this caused the passengers who were trying to sleep.
I wouldn’t recommend Norse Atlantic Airways to my worst enemy. Their excessive charges, appalling customer service, and questionable business practices make for a truly dreadful travel experience.
A Rude Passenger and Unhelpful Flight Attendants
Our recent flight with another airline was marred by another unpleasant encounter. The airline boasts about their economy seats with reclining capabilities for improved sleep. Unfortunately, the passenger behind us did not understand the concept. He aggressively shook our chair, complaining that we were reclining too much. We immediately called over a flight attendant to de-escalate the situation, but they were of no help. The passenger continued to harass my wife throughout the 8-hour flight.
This experience highlights a fundamental issue: airlines need to train their staff to manage these situations effectively. If you are selling a product that emphasizes reclining seats, then your flight attendants must be prepared to deal with disagreements between passengers. Otherwise, your promise of a comfortable flight turns into a stressful ordeal.
