As some of you may know - Steve and Chris (our past and current presidents!) are going to be going on an AWESOME dive trip this October (I was going to go until I found out I would be away from my kids for 17 days). I booked the airline tickets through Orbitz last February. They are taking Delta to LA then Air Pacific to the Solomon Islands.

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Bruce Carlson and his wife Marj at our house (along with Chris) for dinner - so they could let Steve and Chris know what to expect on the trip (they are also going - and have gone numerous times in the past)... WELL - they mentioned that a bunch of people have had trouble with the connection in LA if they had a short connection where their bags didn't make it. As you can imagine - a dive trip with no dive equipment isn't exactly ideal.

We checked - the connection was 104 minutes. A little short for comfort!

I called Air Pacific - they could not see the domestic flight yet - even though it was booked through them. They did agree that though the rules stated that 90 minutes would be enough - that 104 minutes was unrealistic for the circumstances - but they could not do anything and suggested calling Orbitz.

Three phone calls (and getting cut off twice) and about 5 hours later - they wanted to charge nearly $200 per ticket in FEES plus any change in the ticket price to get an earlier Delta to LAX one way ticket - AND they could not confirm anything until we overnighted our paper tickets to them.

Delta tried very hard to help - but their hands were tied since Air Pacific "owned" the tickets.

Orbitz was unreasonable and totally NOT looking out for the customer. They were down right rude. I will NEVER use them again - and recommend that you do not either.

Thank you for listening.

Margi

Margi - I dont believe I know you but because we all deal in salt water I hope the skin is tough enough not to be offended by me.

That said I am sorry about your airline issue's. We all know big company red tape is as resiliant as bubble algae.

I read and reread the post and I have to wonder if the airline issue was the main subject, or was it perhaps a kinda soapbox/namedropper post. No one has responded and it kinda leads me to believe I may not be alone in my thoughts

I know Margi very well, and I assure you that she was just venting! The Lounge forum is open to most any post, so it's perfectly acceptable.

And- thanks to Margi for staying on the phone for both myself and Steve!

Never said her post was in any way unacceptable - because the post WAS put in an "open forum" for reading and possible feedback, I gave my feedback on her post

And thanks for the info Chris - I wont thank you for coming to the aid of Margi I am sure others will - but its nice to know that chivalry is'nt dead.

Margi,
Sorry to hear about your problems. Hope things got worked out. I have had problems in the past with orbitz too, but I also had a great experience with them. When Katrina and I took a last minute trip to jamaica in april, they had mis-posted the price of the all-inclusive resort ($88 per night rather than $400). They did finally honor the price after 5 hours on the phone, the same as you.

I hope things go better for u

When I spent that many HOURS talking to rude people - I just had to let all my fishy friends know about my personal experience. I will DEFINATELY never use Orbitz again.

Delta was great - Air Pacific was fine.

How was I name dropping?

I glad u shared your story, I will think twice before using Orbitz.