Wonderful Experience
Written: Jul 24 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great Service, very Senior Oriented
Cons: None
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| wesgoldfarb's Full Review: American Airlines |
Let me preface this review of American Airlines by explaining that last January my nephew/Godson (Epinions-SKaplan) age 24 moved from Connecticut to Denver, CO with his girlfriend (Epinions-DMaciel). This was the first time he has been away from the family since he eas born in Hartford and graduated from University of Hartford last December. So suffice to say, I was very sad that day in January when I said goodbye. We have been every close throughout his 24 years and I have missed him terribly.
He called one evening in March saying there was a special on American Airlines that day for a round trip to Denver for $160!!! I jumped at that. I not only booked a flight for myself, but I also included my 83 year-old Mother, Scott's grandma to accompany me.
Even though I am my mother's caretaker on a daily basis, this was a difficult decision because my Mom is very forgetful and repeats herself all the time. This becomes very taxing.
Anyway, I must get back to my American Airlines review. Everyone I talked to confirming and reconfirming our reservations was not only professional, but very compassionate concerning my mother. I requested wheelchair assistance throughout our flights (Hartford-Chicago-Denver).
At Bradley (Hartford) there was a wheelchair waiting for us. Our Travel Agent did not give us seats together, which the American agent changed as best she could to two aisle seats, but they were three rows apart. She also gave my husband a pass so he could wheel her to the gate and stay with us until flight time. When we reached the gate, I checked in again so they would know my Mom needed assistance onto the plane. They noticed we were not seated together and said they would try to change that realizing that my mother would be much more at ease sitting next to me. What I didn't realize until they boarded us before all the other passengers, by the way, was that they changed our seats to First Class. I really couldn't believe this. They said, "at 83 my Mom deserved pampering". How impressive. She was so excited. I'm sure this will be her last flight, and to have American make it so special for her was wonderful. It really put her in a great mood which helped me a great deal.
We were served drinks immediately and then a lovely and delicious fruit tray on china with real flatware. The two flight attendants were most attentive. The flight was on time and our wait in Chicago very uneventful.
On our second leg into Denver we were again boarded first and given the first row in coach. Again very convenient for Mom. Our flight was a half hour late leaving Chicago, but arrived only fifteen minutes late into Denver. Again there was a wheelchair waiting for us and an attendant took us to baggage, waited with us for our luggage and wheeled my Mom to the door of the parking garage. By the way, Scott and Denise looked wonderful and very happy!)
It is now Tuesday and my mother is going back home on a 12:30PM flight (I am staying until Sunday). We were told to be at the airport 90 minutes before flight because she is traveling alone and paperwork must be filled out. I had to let American Airlines know who will pick Mom up in Hartford, my sister, and give them her name, address and phone number. American will not only have wheelchair assistance for her on the return flight, but because she is travelling alone, they are providing escort service to stay with her in Chicago to make sure she doesn't get lost or confused. At Hartford, my sister must show some ID before they will let my Mom go with her.
Again, suffice to say, I was totally impressed with the service and help I received from American Airlines 110%. If you are travelling with a senior, there is no other way to fly.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
wesgoldfarb
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Member: Wes Goldfarb
Reviews written: 40
Trusted by: 70 members
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