More flights, more problems -- but there's more to it
Today's column about because-we-can airline fees was posted online at 1 a.m., and by 1:13, I had an e-mail grousing about Northwest.
Call me contrary, but I like Northwest Airlines just fine. Or liked it. It's technically part of Delta now, but getting sucked into the maw of a gigantic merger is a slow process.
Anyway, most of us have had more problems with Northwest than any other airline -- but that's because Northwest has dominated the market for decades. If Allegheny Airlines had turned Detroit into a major hub, we'd all be grousing about Allegheny.
As a rule, I've found Northwest employees friendly and willing to correct mistakes. The most memorable example involves a suitcase that arrived at my destination with what appeared to be two long swaths of lime green paint.
I rolled it into the baggage claim office wherever the heck I was, prepared to have to explain that I did not paint it myself mid-flight.
"Uh-oh," said the woman behind the counter. "Would you like a new bag?" She brought one out from the back room, I did a quick transfer of contents, and away I went.
Good thing I wasn't running guns that trip.
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NWA
Agreed 100% that people here mostly complain about NWA because it is what they are most familiar with. When I was a consultant, I flew every Monday and Friday; I have extensive experience with NWA, AA, and UA (the airline I would take each week varied based on client location), including being a frequent flier with each. NWA is definitely much better to fly than UA or AA. I have no connection to NWA other than being a flyer, but every time I hear people hear complain about how NWA is the worst, I defend NWA. Obviously they don't do everything right all of the time, but overall I've had a significantly better experience with NWA than the other major airlines I know. Glad to hear someone else speak up on the subject!
Also, not sure if this was an NWA or a Delta initiative (I still call it NWA, but I still call DTE "Pine Knob", too...), but last week I was able to get my e-ticket sent to my mobile phone. I was then able to scan my phone display to check bags, get through security, and board the airplane. First time I've see this anywhere-- pretty cool!
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