Let’s face it, in the past air travel may have been glamorous but whatever mystique it once had is gone, despite Richard Branson’s best efforts. The indignities that accompany air travel are only exacerbated by delays that can result from mechanical, weather or to too much air traffic.
If you happen to find yourself stuck in an airport needing to rebook or talk to someone for help, chances are the customer service desk and phone lines will be overtaxed and frustratingly slow. It never ceases to amaze me how veteran travelers shout into their phones or wait in endless lines but never once consider Tweeting the airlines for assistance.
Last week I arrived at LaGuardia airport only to find out my 4PM shuttle had been cancelled. The befuddled agent smiled as she gave me a new ticket for the 9PM shuttle. I didn’t bother to say anything as I could hear to my left and right agents sharing the same unwelcome news. Instead I hopped on Twitter and contacted the airline. Within 10 minutes (from the comfort of my seat at the bar) I was placed on standby for the 5PM and guaranteed a seat on the 6PM shuttle. Not ideal, but I leaped a line of angry fliers begging for special treatment that was never going to happen.
My travel tip to everyone is to know your airline Twitter handle. Some airlines are better at this than others; two that I’ve used that are very responsive are JetBlue (@JetBlue) and Delta Airlines (@Delta Assist).
Have you used Twitter to help you avert any travel nightmares? Do share.
BosGuy 