This is the facts about contributing to the chaos in lieu of solving it. The weather is beyond human control but how the ensuing chaos is handled is within human control, should they accept the mission. Southwest Airlines chose the former, exacerbate the situation. And, a fine job they have done.
First, the checkin! Arriving 2 hours before the flight, curbside checkin said the computers were down and we would have to go inside. There we we're directed to a long line. Two hours later we arrived at the checkin desk,10 minutes before our flight was scheduled to depart. We informed the attendant it would be impossible to make the flight, we should not check our luggage and rebook. She thought it was prudent. Along comes a supervisor to advise flights are delayed, we can late check the luggage and make the flight. When we questioned clearing security and getting to the gate, no problem was the response. We did not make the flight.
OK, fooled once we went to the gate desk. First they offered a flight to a different airport within the same state. Fine, can we make a connecting flight to our final destination? RESPONSE, you are on your own from there! Unacceptable, other options? Standby on a flight 7 hours later. What are the chances? Very good was the response, since your luggage will be on that flight, I think! Getting the warm and fuzzies here! Time for a cup of coffee and the wait.
By this time questioning the answers we went back to the gate. Told great chance! Asked if flight was full? No way of knowing was the response! So we sat until the announcement the flight was overbooked and they offered a free flight and a credit to those who would give up their seat and fly out tomorrow with a stop over in New Orleans (given the chaos so far thought someone might have the opportunity to celebrate Mardi Gras in February)!
No time for that,time to go to customer baggage service to request a return of our luggage for the 3 day delayed stay. One hour later we get to make the request. Told it would be later that day or early tomorrow. No problem,works for us. KEY HERE, not necessarily Southwest Airlines! Today, first call is a 45 minute wait, understandable. Part not understandable is they did not think our luggage would be back before our return flight to Florida. NOT WHAT WE WERE TOLD YESTERDAY! Inquiry, what is our best option. Put on hold so she could check. We were hung up on! QUESTION, are you feeling some discomfort here?
Return call and another one hour wait. JOLLY GEE, maybe a competent person! We may have luggage today! Makes me wonder about the people who were behind me in line?
Let's see if Southwest redeems itself! How confident would you be?
Had there been a separate line for people with confirmed seats and not combined with those on standby and requesting changes, probably would have made the flight. Just saying!
Enjoy your day!
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