My Delta flight started off great – check-in was smooth, and the journey was pleasant. But then came a frustrating encounter that left me upset. When I requested a wheelchair to help me reach baggage claim in Boston, the wheelchair attendant demanded payment. I was shocked! I had always believed this service was free, and I typically tip generously. But the attendant insisted on payment. When I refused, feeling angry and taken aback, my daughter stepped in to try and resolve the situation. Unfortunately, she ended up paying him, assuming there had been a change in policy.
First Class Disappointment
This time, we decided to splurge and fly first class. The seats were spacious and comfortable. However, the flight crew’s late arrival caused a major delay, disrupting connections for many passengers. I felt awful for those who were affected.
Adding to our frustration, one of our four checked bags went missing. Despite the baggage claim staff’s sympathy and efforts, we waited for nearly two hours before our missing bag was found. We had to drive back to the airport to pick it up. The whole ordeal left us exhausted and with the realization that first class doesn’t necessarily mean better service.
A Cold Welcome on Norse Atlantic
We flew premium economy on our way to London, but opted for economy on the return flight. While the crew was professional and polite, they seemed distant and uninterested in interacting with passengers beyond providing essential services. The aircraft was comfortable, but the seating was tight, offering little personal space. Despite the less-than-stellar service, I would still consider flying with Norse Atlantic again if given the opportunity.
A Boarding Pass Nightmare with British Airways
We were eager to board our connecting flight, but British Airways experienced a system crash, which unfortunately resulted in our boarding passes being rejected. Despite arriving an hour and ten minutes early, we were stuck at the gate while staff attempted to resolve the issue. After a three-hour wait, we were told we were too late for our flight, a blatant lie. The staff were incredibly unhelpful, and we were forced to book a four-hour train ride home at our own expense. This disastrous experience left me with a bad taste in my mouth and a strong aversion to British Airways.
A Business Class Illusion
This time, I was in BA’s business class. While the suites were nice, the overall experience fell short of my expectations. The lounge at LAS was basic and crowded, and while the LHR/T3 lounge was slightly better, it didn’t compare to the Polaris lounges I’m used to. The boarding process was chaotic, and the crew’s service was lackluster. Instead of the personalized attention I’ve come to expect from United Polaris, the BA crew offered a single tray for dinner, with no follow-up service or additional drink pours. Upon arrival, the chaotic bus transfer back to the terminal, packed with passengers regardless of class, felt like a cheap economy class experience. It seems BA is charging a premium for a mediocre service, leaving me feeling disappointed and cheated.
