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mattlistenerThe key is to bear in mind that airlines are behemoth organizations with 1) several different access routes to the same services, and 2) no record of previous times they have told you "no". And don't check bags, of course.
Case in point: yesterday afternoon I arrive at Atlanta airport at 2:30pm. My Delta flight is at 5:30. There's a 3:30 that's all checked in.
-Attempted to get on the 3:30 at the gate, told "it's full". Asked for standby, told "we can only do that if there's a seat, and there's as many people here at the airport checked in on this plane as there are seats."
-Called Delta's 800 number. Told the flight is full. Rep says that their info is even more accurate than the info at the gate, and they are as full as full can be.
-Waited until the check-in staff was relieved by the boarding staff. Observed that the monitor by the gate showed "Unassigned seats: 4". Asked to get on the flight, told it's full. Pointed out the monitor says 4 unassigned. Much tapping of keys ensues, and I am referred to the other staffer present. Asked to get on flight, more lengthy tapping of keys, and then they take my credit card ($25 fee since it was a bargain fare).
And away I flew, to a much-needed 2 extra hours at home before the work-week.
Case in point: yesterday afternoon I arrive at Atlanta airport at 2:30pm. My Delta flight is at 5:30. There's a 3:30 that's all checked in.
-Attempted to get on the 3:30 at the gate, told "it's full". Asked for standby, told "we can only do that if there's a seat, and there's as many people here at the airport checked in on this plane as there are seats."
-Called Delta's 800 number. Told the flight is full. Rep says that their info is even more accurate than the info at the gate, and they are as full as full can be.
-Waited until the check-in staff was relieved by the boarding staff. Observed that the monitor by the gate showed "Unassigned seats: 4". Asked to get on the flight, told it's full. Pointed out the monitor says 4 unassigned. Much tapping of keys ensues, and I am referred to the other staffer present. Asked to get on flight, more lengthy tapping of keys, and then they take my credit card ($25 fee since it was a bargain fare).
And away I flew, to a much-needed 2 extra hours at home before the work-week.
