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Originally Posted by brenda0526
I am appalled and embarrassed for US Airways. My daughter is far from a first time flyer. I thought our move back to Arizona would be best suited for US Airways due to the direct flight; however, I believe traveling via Alaska Airlines would have been our better bet. Alaska Airlines has always treated my child and me with kindness, care and with special attention (and their unaccompanied fee is cheaper despite having connecting flights).
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That was going to be my suggestion. US Airways has been on a downhill slope ever since the bean-counters at America West in Tempe took over. Sir Richard Branson said in a recent interview that he believes a major US Airline will go out of business sometime this year. It's my belief he was talking about US Airways. It would be a devastating blow to the local economy here in AZ but on the brighter side perhaps the likes of United or Continental would pick up the pieces and keep US Air flying in some form and under much needed new management.
Please allow me to point out a few things in your letter. First, paying for unaccompanied minor service does not include an escort to/from the gate area. You should have been told the procedure when you booked over the phone. (You did, after all, pay an additional $25 for the privilege of speaking with a reservation agent.) The adult dropping off and picking up the minor gets an escort pass to go through security and wait at the gate. I agree, though, that you didn't get your money's worth as your daughter was all but ignored on the non-stop flight. I fly red-eyes often and sometimes the service is lackluster even in first class. Actually I'm a bit surprised your daughter was permitted to fly on a red-eye as an unaccompanied minor. Most airlines, including Alaska I believe, don't allow this. Many also do not allow unaccompanied minors to travel with pets in the cabin. I know Alaska does not.
As for the baggage fee, unfortunately I don't think you'll have any success getting that refunded. Even though they waived the fee for the first two it is still the third bag so they will probably stick you with the 3rd bag fee. If it were Alaska this wouldn't even be an issue since first class passengers have a three bag allowance automatically.
Many airlines tell you that they or the FAA or the TSA requires a health certificate. This is a load of crap. Here's the real deal:
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Documentation - All pets crossing state borders, with the exception of guide dogs, are required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to have a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. If an animal is being transported by a breeder, dealer, or research facility, then the health certificate must have been issued within 10 days. All animals crossing state borders to a cold weather destination are required to have a veterinarian's note on the health certificate that they are acclimated to temperatures below 45°. It is the responsibility of the customer to obtain this certification.
Proof of rabies vaccination is required for animals traveling within the state of Alaska or when traveling across state lines. Proof of Parvo Virus vaccination is required before an animal can be transported to Nome or Kotzebue. Service animals traveling with a passenger are exempt from these certifications, though they are required to be in a working harness that identifies them as a service animal.
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So you see, it is a USDA requirement, not an airline, TSA or FAA regulation. That is why no one at the airport was interested in seeing the documentation. If there happened to be a USDA inspector around (probability next to zero at midnight) who wanted to see the paperwork you would have needed it. Otherwise...
So, if you do hear from US Airways I would push for the refund of the $100 unaccompanied minor fee since you didn't get what you paid for and the $25 telephone booking fee since the agent didn't properly inform you of the airport procedures with an unaccompanied minor. Unfortunately the 3rd bag charge and vet bill will probably be shot down.
I too had a $400 voucher or a "free" (capacity controlled, plus international taxes) round-trip anywhere in the US Air system for giving up my seat out of Maui. I've yet to use it!
Good luck.