[snowlane]

Due to a metro breakdown in Paris, I (along with about 15 other people) missed my flight to Dallas, with a connection to Orlando. In order to get out of Paris, my travel partner and I had to pay a ridiculous change fee. The ticketing desk was incredibly rude, and then quoted us a price of $280 to change the ticket (where we would technically be on standby) or a total of $408 to guarantee seats on the next flight, which would not be until the following morning. We decided to think about it, and eventually went back to change the flight and pay the $408. We were then told we were misinformed and the charge was $475. Tired and just wanting to get home, we agreed to the costs.

We had several service issues with the trip, among them nearly missing our connection (after being assured by no less than five agents that we would have plenty of time) but only making it because of mechanical problems. Also, not having seats together because the agents thought we would "miss the flight." Plus, being yelled at for stowing my bag under my seat by an attendant that I was told to do by another attendant. However, what happened after I got home is what is frustrating me the most.

After returning home, my travel partner and I checked our statements and found that we had both been overcharged by American. I received a charge of $571 and my partner a charge of $569. I immediately contacted American through e-mail. They replied four days later and told me that the system showed a charge of $505 and that they would need my statements. She supplied me with the fax number, which I later discovered was not a valid number. I found the correct one and the next day faxed not only our bank statements, but also a letter detailing the lack of service we received and our receipts for $475.

It has been a week and I have not heard back from American. I would appreciate at least an e-mail or a phone call or something to let me know that they even received the documents. For all I know, they never got there and the representative is waiting for them. I called American to see if this could be verified, but of course, the only number is for reservations and they do not have access to this information. The woman also informed me that it has only been four business days so that they still have leeway. Confused, I asked how it was only four business days and she told me that the customer service department had the Monday after Easter off. Right. Because everyone else in the US did too.

I'm just frustrated that I have no way of contacting customer service to see if my stuff even arrived. Plus, I think it is ridiculous that I now have to wait and am forced to pay interest on the additional money I was charged. I filed a dispute with my credit card company and I believe they will probably fix the charge before American contacts me.