Speaking “off the record” since this senior airline official with American Airlines is not authorized to release media reports had this to say:

[quote] Its crazy the complaints have gone from the extra baggage fees now to asking for ticket refunds over these new TSA security measures, the people have had it, unfortunately the airlines end up with the brunt of these complaints, have you ever tried to complain to a government agency?[/quote]

People are just furious and so they are having second thoughts regarding holiday travel, and the first reconsideration they are having is their air travel plans.

With the hassle of parking, enhanced security measures, long lines at the security check points, and delayed flights it’s no wonder so many passengers are now calling into the airline customer service lines to complain or to ask for refunds and cancellations.

In some cases angry passengers are even being given additional air miles or extra perks which include limited upgrades in order to keep these passengers from canceling their travel planes.     The airlines are already struggling with high overhead costs and losing passengers at such a critical holiday travel season is the last thing they need.

Holiday air travel constitutes of over one third of all airlines passenger revenue throughout the year and some insiders are claiming that these new TSA enhanced security measures were purposely put in place at a time when many passengers have no other choice but to travel by air.  

Another aspect of the entire TSA enhanced security which has now indirectly affected the airlines is that passengers are now more on edge and frustrated when they board planes and they often direct their frustration towards the flight crews who themselves have to undergo the same intense security screening and are often themselves are just as frustrated.

The combination of so many frustrated passengers clashing with flight crews who themselves are also frustrated is a precursor to more intense exchanges to come as some verbal exchanges have already been reported by flight crews.  Airline unions are also now raining concern of the hostility of already upset passengers.  

While this senior airline official does understood the need for passenger and crew security they wonder if the TSA couldn’t have been handled this entire situation differently or more effectively but then added

[quote] “We’re dealing with the federal government, what else do you expect?”[/quote]   

The airlines themselves are scrambling to come up with a solution to a problem which they themselves didn’t create but which directly affects their bottom line, their customer satisfaction and overall flying experience.

In the end the airlines hope that any holiday cheer won’t be confiscated at the TSA security shake down stations in the name of security.

Written by: Von Helman

Staff Writer SHTF411

http://shtf411.com/american-airlines-besieged-with-complaints-t10918.html

Nov. 23, 2010