Well, I can tell you folks that I don't think I've ever been more scared in my life. Zoe's American Airlines flight 5553 was due to land in Milwaukee from St.Louis at around 7pm December 18th, yesterday, when as Steve and I were approaching Mitchell Airport, we received a call from her. She was in absolute tears and panic stricken. Her plane was forced to land emergently after only being in the air 5 minutes. There had been a strange "boom" upon take off and soon the cabin began to fill with smoke and they were forced to land with oxygen masks on. Once down, doors popped open and beyond popular belief there are no inflatable slides. Nope, my little girl, along with all the other passengers were trailed off onto the wing and had to jump to the tarmac from the wing. Of course leaving belongings behind. Lucky her cell was in her pocket.
Was AA helpful in any way? NOPE! As soon as Stephen and I got to the airport (we were literally just pulling in when she called), We went straight to the AA counter and asked if they could tell us anything. NOPE! They didn't know a thing. In fact, they were not very sympathetic and asked us to check back a little later and when we did. Guess WHO wasn't at the counter anymore. Not a soul in sight.
The passengers were finally put on another plane once all their belongings had been returned to them. We periodically checked with Zoe over the cell phones as this was all unfolding and do you know that the second plane they put them on actually had seat backs missing from some of the seats. REALLY? Are you kidding? Her plane did finally land safely at approximately 11:45pm. And then we had the pleasure of driving home in a "*ucking" blizzard.
All I can say is "kudos" to the pilot for getting them back down alive. Zoe did injure her knee from the jump off the wing!
Anyone really want to fly American Airlines? This isn't the first time this has happened, even at this airport. And they have the BALLS to charge $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second. Take out a mortgage if you have more bags to check. They did nothing for the waiting passengers whose money was still in the first plane while they waited and couldn't go to a vending machine for a drink. Do you think someone could have given them a bottle of water? Three people were carted off in ambulances. WTF?!!!!
Wasn't it just last year that AA was the first airline cited for not properly maintaining and checking their planes? This is absolute BULLSHIT!
18 comments:
When I fly in Big brother from Tundra Country, we use Delta. Knock wood so far they have been excellent.
I am SO GLAD that Zoe is OK. Damn that is scary. Keeping fingers crossed that she does not have to fly back on them!!
Hugs all around guys... And Callie, take the weekend off girl! You need a break!! ;)
I'm glad to hear Zoe is alright. How scary was that for her and you. I'd never fly them again. We usually use Jet Blue and have never had a problem with them. I don't know if they operate by you. What's happening with these airlines anyway, and people too, where has the responsibility and caring for others gone. Well again glad she's okay.
Dang that is scary!!! Glad Zoe is all right, but I'd consider looking for some compensation. They certainly didn't treat people very well. I definitely wouldn't fly with them!
Me personally? I have to go to the dr. before I fly, get doped on Valium to even BE on a plane. I hyperventilate to the point of passing out, lol. Planes SCARE ME!!
Zoe is one brave girl to get back on the plane. I would have been saying "Rental car counter? Anyone?"
Callie - so glad that Zoe is okay. That's too much adventure in travelling. As a frequent traveller, I can tell you that the answer is to not fly AA. Unfortunately, way too many people simply pick the cheapest fare. This is what happens. If you pick the cheapest house on the list, you expect it to be in the slums. But no one thinks about what they are getting when they pick the cheapest flight. Good luck on the return flight.
What a nightmare. I have only flown Alaska, Jet Blue, and United. Alaska had some issues here with planes a few years ago, emergency landings and such, but luckily not while I was on board. I hate to fly, with a passion, and usually only do it once a year. I'm a nervous wreck the week before flying and then the whole time I'm on the plane. I have never tried medication but my sister did last year and it helped a lot. I would have freaked if I was Zoe! Like Mikey said, I'm not sure I could have gotten back on another plane!
Thanks All, As to the cheapest fare? Unfortunately to fly from St.Louis directly into Milwaukee does not leave us many options! And I can assure you this was no cheap fare, It cost me less to fly our children via Virgin airlines, a high quality airline, from London to Chicago and back than this fare cost! ANd they actually receive customer service!
I hope you had the knee injury documented. I won't fly that airline again. That's to scary. Does she like Jack?
Oh my Callie, so glad that Zoe is okay!!!!! That would have scared me half to death to get that phone call! I hope her knee is going to be okay. I've never heard of such bad customer service!
We don't have much to pick from here either. Either we drive 4 hours to Boston or we take what is available here and I don't like to drive to Boston when the airport here is only 15 minutes away from us. So glad she is alright!!!
Holy cow! Glad she is okay! Man they need to do something for what they put her and you all through!
What a nightmare! I've nearly passed out from fear twice in my life: One time when I almost got into a head-on collision and could see the whites of the other driver's eyes, and another time when I got stuck in severe turbulence on an airplane and we started to nosedive. Airplane incidents are so frightening. I hope Zoe can get past this. I'm sure the psychology is similar to falling off a horse. The fear always stays with you.
Geez, my son is flying home next week. With our series of storms he's already getting nervous about the trip. I think if he'd have heard this he'd be staying home.
I hope that there is nothing seriously wrong with Zoe's knee. I did know that it's only certain models of airplanes that have those inflatable slides. I don't think I've even flown on one that did.
AA is absolutely the worst airline. They have the highest number of accidents too. I wont fly them any more!
Glad Zoe is okay- what an adventure for her to retell at Christmas Dinner!
So is holiday travel in general . . .
8-)
Subtle hints . . . . you can leave for Santa:
HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR HORSE LOVERS
8-)
It's a parent's worst nightmare - I'm so glad that Zoe is okay. And she was really brave to get bamerck on that plane. Maybe she should write an article about it for the Milwaukee newspaper - that might get someone's attention. I hope that going back to school will be safe and easy. It's really terrible how the airlines are just falling apart and losing all sense of customer service.
We have always used Continental. And today when we sent of our oldest to go to his dad's house, they charged us 15 bucks for checking a bag!!! It's a new policy! I can't believe it!! Airlines are so weird.
I am glad Zoe is alright. It must have been so horrible, for the both of you.
Absolutely inexcusable!!! I'm horrified...just horrified.
Big hugs to you, Callie & Steve, and Zoe too! Guess we won't be flying AA.
Praying you have a blessed Christmas!
I am so happy Zoe is okay. Crazy crazy story.
I have had it with the Airlines....this trip home this year has been a nightmare as well. From weird noises on the plane, to a pilot telling us "He wasn't sure where we were over Nevada, but he guessed we would get there in 2 hours" to canceled flights and no compensation for rooms and then having the nerve to charge again for bags that you already paid for. It is crazy....yet I still can't get back to Portland...been in Minneapolis an extra 6 days. Trying to look on the bright side...it is 6 more days with family and sleeping in:-)
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