Airline Assessment Provided by Shantel Pina-Jemio: American Airlines Evaluation by Shantel Pina-Jemio
American Airlines, a leading airline in the United States, has come under fire for its handling of unaccompanied minor flights and the associated fees. A recent customer's experience highlights concerns about the airline's customer service, transparency, and the complexity of the check-in process for minors.
The author of the review, who chose to fly with American Airlines, expressed dissatisfaction with the airline's service, stating that the overall experience was negative and they would not recommend it to others due to poor customer service and a lack of respect for paying customers.
One of the main issues the author faced was during the check-in process for their unaccompanied minor. They were told it would take an hour to fill out and print the necessary form for the gate pass, but it only took 15 minutes. This discrepancy in information caused confusion and frustration.
Moreover, the author was instructed to stay until the plane departed, even after they had given their child a gate pass. This instruction added to their frustration, as they felt it was an unnecessary inconvenience.
The author also expressed concern that American Airlines may have wanted to pass their child's seat to someone else, as employees did not babysit their child during the trip, despite performing this duty for other passengers.
The online customer service of American Airlines was not clear about policies regarding unaccompanied minors, further complicating the situation. The author found it difficult to understand the airline's policies online and was only informed about certain requirements at the counter.
It is important to note that American Airlines does charge an additional $300 for an unaccompanied minor to be escorted onto the airplane as part of their unaccompanied minor program. This fee is to cover the additional services and responsibilities associated with ensuring the child's safety during travel. However, the fee is not explicitly mentioned as a fee for an escort service for an unaccompanied minor in the provided search results.
In conclusion, the fee for unaccompanied minors is a standard service charge by American Airlines to ensure safe and supervised travel for children. However, the check-in issues stem from unclear communication and policies, which can complicate the process for those booking flights for minors. This situation underscores the need for American Airlines to improve its communication and transparency to provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience for its passengers, particularly those travelling with minors.
Despite the additional $300 fee for unaccompanied minors supposedly ensuring safe and supervised travel, the author experienced confusion and frustration during the check-in process, suggesting a lack of clarity in American Airlines' policies. This highlights the need for the airline to address its inconsistent information and improve its transparency, enhancing the overall customer experience, especially for travelers with minors. Furthermore, the author's travel experience necessitates a reflection on the airline's lifestyle services, questioning whether the fees charged truly provide careful supervision and an enjoyable journey for traveling minors.
