- TO COMPLAIN 1.express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.” local authorities complained that they lacked sufficient resources” synonyms: protest, grumble, moan, whine, bleat, carp, cavil, lodge a complaint, make a complaint, make a fuss.
The Women’s Travel Group says: OFTEN YES We assume the first priority of airline staff is safety, the second efficiency, the third service. Experience is onboard staff less attentive to women than to men. Here are some examples of the ME TOO movement in plane travel what to do about it.
We understand that staff can be threatening so take these tips with that in mind.
I was flying to Mexico on a first class ticket. After take off, a flight attendant asked: “Was your ticket an upgrade or did you pay for it?”. I should have said: “Why are you asking me”. Taken by surprise, I responded: My employer paid for this first class ticket”. Passengers nearby were horrified and suggested I complain to the purser. I did, but did not make a note of the staff member who said it. I did not ask for an apology from her.
The lesson is: do not allow staff to disrespect you, complain professionally immediately and ask for an apology.
ME TOO examples sent to us:
Staff fussed over a high ranking cleric en route to Rome. They ignored a woman traveler trying for service.
Staff dismissed a complaint that a man was blocking her in the window seat.
A Women’s Travel Group traveler awoke, she found her seat mate had his hands on her chest.
We all have seen men taking over the arm rest and we have rarely witnessed staff help out.
We have all had aggressive male passengers prevent us from reclining.
What Should a Woman Do?
Complaints should be to the Purser, not to flight attendants. The purser is in charge of the flight attendants and fills out detailed flight reports.
Speak with the purser while in flight. If you need to ask twice for her attention, get names of those you spoke with.
You should get all names anyway. Ask permission (nicely) to photo name tags as you might be upset and forget.
You should ask that the incident be put in the flight notes. Give specifics: seat number, time of incident and who you told and what time you told them. Write them down and hand them to the purser.
If the captain is by the door at the end of the flight, talk to him and repeat the Purser’s name and your brief complaint.
Photo the situation without provoking aggression. The photo might even be of empty seats nearby if you had asked to be moved.
Follow up consistently to appropriate web links or even send a certified letter to the CEO.
Travel tips from The Women’s Travel Group. Share with your friends. We still have space on some Summer 2019 tours. Information: Phyllisnycity@gmail.com or call us 646 309 5607
