Diplomacy is not my strong suit, I give you this, but this was a preplanned, well orchestrated deception between himself and up to 18 other "adult" willing accomplices. With all the wedding parties and large family reunions that take place in the Yucatan I would not be surprised to to fall victim to it again. I hate dishonesty with a passion! To boot, they were some of the most disrespectful passengers I have ever had the displeasure of sitting behind! Loud, needy, privileged asses.....the whole lot of them. Thieves need to be called thieves and asses called asses. Don't get me wrong, I understand exactly where you are coming from and in many ways I agree!
Our daughter is 19 and severely handicapped. We always fly Airtran when we go to Disney World. About half the time they just put us in the front row of business class without us even asking. If not there, then the other times front row of coach, as it has more room. I have to carry her on the plane, and work to hold her for most of the flight. People are unbelievably understanding in these situations, and many have switched seats to give us those preferred ones. We are very grateful for the assistance, but stories like these, and the stress of travel, could make for a bad experience if the wrong person has an attitude some day. Saving seats for a large group is just selfish, and doesn't make it easy for people to accommodate the ones truly in need.
I have had the faked wheelchair issue a few times. When we went to Mexico in May a group of people only alittle older than me. We're drinkibg and having a good time eRly on at airport till they put up the departure gate then they all started acting like they couldn't walk pulled out canes. I had injured myself and had it in a sling so they thought they were going to push sharada of me. Not happening. They boarded after me. And when we landed jumped up and got off telling the attended they were fine didn't need the wheelchair now. What liars.
Actually on second thought the second that the guy stood up and said he didn't need assistance to get on the plane should have been enough to have the attendant send them to the back of the line. My mom had no problem sending me right off to school once she saw through me faking being sick, why can't the airline do the same thing?
We fly SW whenever possible, and this was a very rare problem. To be honest, with SW it makes zero difference if you are in row 2 or in row 22. All of the seats are the same size, and you all have to wait for your checked luggage. SW does restrict early boarding passengers from sitting in the exit rows. Enjoy the free checked baggage, being on time, the free change fees, and the fact that your flights probably have free wifi. You should also be thrilled that you actually have so many nonstop choices out of DEN to CUN. There are 5-6 nonstop flights/week out STL.
We have always had good luck with Southwest so I am anxious to see what their response is. They don't start service to Cancun, out of Sacramento, until 11/1 so we are on US Air this trip. How they handle will likely help us decide whether we are going to fly them in May or not.
On Domestic flights I will totally agree with with you, but on International flights I see great benefit in joining the immigration line in front of up to 136 fellow passengers. In both Cancun and Denver there was absolutely no wait for luggage. Matter of fact, in Cancun all the luggage from our flight was stacked up on the floor next to the carousel.
The antics of the guy you described tell me he probably is a grade A ass. The only thing I'd say is that when writing a company with a complaint...it's important to keep the language in what you write professional and unemotional. Remember...it's not personal, it's business. If some exec reads this, he'll likely decide he's reading vulgar language and exaggerated claims...and just delete your complaint. I've found it's always best to begin by being nice...and continue being nice until it's time not to be nice. Rarely is it best to start off in angry mode. All that being said...the guy seemed to go all out in his disrespect of everyone else on the plane...I'd have been mad too.
I hate rude behavior in a man,' he explained in his quiet, unassuming drawl. 'I won't tolerate it.' He politely tipped his hat, and rode away. Gus McRae , Lonesome Dove
1 new issue in leaving Cancun on Southwest,Paid for early boarding and was A31/A32 but the stupid 2nd check at the gate got pulled out of line checked as everyone walked past,Could not get back in line till midway thru B's,Asked gate agent they had no clue.Sent Southwest a note on getting refunded due to this waiting...Always seemed ok everywhere but in Cancun that 2nd check screwed it up.
