[lexiegram]

I made reservations with Delta for 3/6/11 leaving Detroit to Orlando. I have not been on a plane for over 30 years. Initially, I was planning on flying SPIRIT, as their rates were better. My sister, advised that I fly Delta, so I went on her advice.
I am very disappointed with the service, or lack of-and seeing that Delta allowed most passengers to take their large luggage bags on board, neglecting to pay baggage fees.
We sat on the plane, my granddaughter and I for over 1/2 hr., never being told what the delay was. It was warm and stuffy, and crying kids everywhere. Eventually, the pilot did tell us that the plane needed to be de iced. We had already been told to buckle and put away cell phones, etc. The plane was app: 1 hr and 15 minutes late for take off. My family, just prior to leaving for the airport, checked on line and saw that our flight was "on-time!" This was untrue. When they arrived at the airport early, they were forced to drive around the airport for at least 2 hours, as they were not permitted to stop.. I had no way of notifying them of the delay and Delta certainly did not.
After being in the air for 2 hrs., and STILL listening to screaming kids, I paid $6.00 for my granddaughter to listen to a movie. Then we realized we needed headphones. We called for assistance, but no one came. I pushed the call button 10-15 times, and still NO assistance. The passenger next to me even began pushing her call button, and No response. After about a half hour, a lady walked by and I yelled for her assistance. I told her that this "silent movie" was now 1/2 hr. passed with no head phones. She said she would get us some, but naturally, she did not return for at least 15 minutes. This was simply unacceptable. On top of that, she charged me $3.00 for the headphones. At this time, the movie was half over, and upon landing, my granddaughter did not even get to see the entire movie.
I carefully read the travel summary, and honored the dimensions for a carry-on. I paid $100.00 for our luggage, as it was over the size policy. I was shocked to see passengers bring 2-3 pieces of luggage on board, particularly on the flight home. These were not carry on bags-they were clearly the passenger's trip luggage. I saw a couple pieces that were 25" suitcases.
This is wrong. I was charged $100.00 to follow the rules, where other passengers did not, and Delta's policy was not enforced.
I made a written complaint to Delta, and was offered a $75.00 baggage voucher. This is completely useless to me as I've flown once in 30 years, and most likely will never do so again. And...if I did, by chance-I WOULD NOT FLY DELTA! This airline will do nothing to make things right with their customers. Their apologies are simply words. I feel that when a company does not carry through on their promises for excellent, timely care, and discriminates against who pays for luggage and who doesn't, they should be reported to the Dept. Of Transportation and Aviation, BBB, etc. I will make formal complaints until Delta compensates me appropriately.
Terry Munce