Letter to US Airways for Travel Problems

Letter to US Airways for Travel problems:

I am requesting a partial refund or credit voucher for my troubles last week. I incurred real expenses due to US Airways problems and I deserve to be reimbursed in some form. My travel plans needed me to be in Middlesboro, KY first thing 8/12 returning 8/13.

I was needed earlier in the week but could not due to a death in the family. I was scheduled to fly out of CAK around 6pm on 8/11. I was 5 minutes from the airport around 4pm when I received a call from a US Airways representative that my flight from CAK to Philadelphia is delayed causing me to miss my connection. I was thrilled that they called me. They offered to fly me out of CLE on an 8pm flight through Charlotte getting into Knoxville around 11:30pm. I accepted and drove up to Cleveland.

I parked my vehicle and checked my bag at the ticket counter explaining to them why I was there. They were surprised indicating that Charlotte had "runway problems" and that flights were delayed going into Charlotte. They accepted my checked bag and I went to the gate.

While at the gate I heard the agent on the walkie-talkie being alerted about the earlier Charlotte flight being returned to the gate and canceled. I went to the gate agent before the plane returned to the gate and asked her if my 8pm flight was going to make it out on time or in time for my connection. She indicated that it wouldn't and offered to rebook me on a flight at 5:46pm out of CAK. I told her I was not very happy but after burying my grandfather earlier that day I had no energy in me to argue with her. I asked about my checked bag and she told me to pick it up at baggage claim. I waited at baggage claim for about 30 minutes and my bag did not appear. I went back the ticket counter and asked them if it was sent. They checked my tag and called back on the walkie-talkie to baggage to find the bag and sent me back down to baggage claim. I waited another 20 minutes and no bag - so I went back upstairs. They called again and about 15 minutes later my bag appeared at baggage claim.

I went to my car, loaded my bags and headed for the exit. The parking cost me $6 for 2 1/2 hours an expense that I should not have incurred. I drove home, unpacked my medical device, and went to bed. I set my alarm for 3am (4 hours of sleep) to get up and do it all over again.

From this point forward my trip was going well until I realized that the gate agent did not change my return flight to go back to CAK instead of CLE - so I had to spend time with a customer service agent in Charlotte to correct. US Airways cost me for parking, extra meals and an extra 140 miles on my vehicle in addition to my wasted time and lost productivity. When I asked the customer service agent about compensation, she told me to call the toll free number or submit a request through the web site. When I called the toll free number they told me they could not help me that I had to submit a request through the web site.

I could accept things if we were dealing with an act of God in my travel areas or if there was a non-preventable safety concern. In this case, it was poor management. My original flight was delayed due to maintenance. I appreciate the airlines maintaining the aircraft as I maintain my vehicle - but do that on your time - not mine. The runway problem in Charlotte was a preventable problem on your end. US Airways knew about this project when you sold me the ticket (which was purchased on 8/7). Now, add on top of that the agent that called me to advise me of the delayed aircraft - she didn't know about the Charlotte runway problem? if she didn't, shame on US Airways for not communicating such a major impact to the schedule. If she did know, then she made a mistake that cost me real money and time.

I respectfully ask that US Airways offer compensation in an amount no less than $200 (parking, mileage and time) in the form of a refund or a future travel credit. Anything less than this will not allow me to walk away a happy customer. I have told my story to plenty of friends and family - I only hope I can go back to these same people and tell them that US Airways made it right for me.

Navigon 2100 Max - GPS Review

I bought a new GPS a few weeks ago and am ready to review it for you.



History:
I have always loved the idea of GPS. I have owned two vehicles with built-in GPS - the 2006 GMC Envoy Denali and a 2008 Buick Enclave. The GMC had a data disc that you had to remove to play a CD - not very smart design. The Buick got smart and actually has two drives - one for the GPS Data DVD exclusively and one for DVD Video/Music/MP3. I like the built in systems - they are solid, but the portable ones have always been more user friendly. (I have used a few on travel and liked them.)

I traded in the Envoy for a Sierra pickup and did not want the cost or have the option of a built-in system.

I searched TigerDirect.com and found the one I wanted. My requirements were 4.3" screen, wide screen, traffic builtin at no extra cost, and sleek design.

The Navigon 2100Max fit that bill - not to mention that it was something like $70 for a refurbished model. I bought it along with a case to keep it from being scratched.

I charged it and set it up according to the quick start guide included. I then took it out to my truck and it took almost 5 minutes to find the satellites. I was not impressed with the time it took to lock in to the satellites and determine where I was. I drove down our road only to find that our development (street) is not on the map.

Our development was started in 2002, people started moving into homes in 2003. We moved in July 2004. Let me check - yes, it's been over 5 years and Navigon still can't update their maps!!!! I see this as a serious flaw in their model. The hardware works fine, but if the software and map data are out of date - what use is it?

I give the Navigon 2100Max a C-

Las Vegas

Well, Sammy survived her first visit to Las Vegas. (Nana's legs and feet survived the visit too - but those dogs are STILL barking!)


Sammy did a good job of carrying our luggage in while Nana and I relaxed!


Sammy and Nana waiting at the gate - we got there too early!




Sammy watching Shrek on the Zune!


Sammy had to sit in the Window seat. She learned how to buckle her own seat belt (by watching the flight attendants) and proved it by buckling and un-buckling about 50 times! She was also very into reading the safety card in the seat pocket.




OK - so she didn't want to "sit" in her seat - but really, think of it - if you could turn around like that in the seat - you would, wouldn't you?


Boy, was Sammy happy to see Mommy that night! This picture was taken at the Burger Bar - best $15 burger I've ever eaten!



Sammy and I in front of the Excalibur castle. Is she showing some 'tude?



Nana and Sammy in front of Excalibur. Dogs weren't barking yet!


Sammy and mommy in front of a sphinx (or is it a "stinks" as Sammy says!?) at Luxor.



Sammy loved the aquarium at the Rainforest Cafe at MGM.



Sammy in front of one of the aquariums again.

We walked about 4 miles the first day - this is a view from the crosswalk between Tropicana and Excalibur. Sammy liked the lions at MGM.


Bad photo of the lions - Sammy was on my shoulders at the time. Too many people and the lions never came down in front of us.



This photo is from the top of a Double Decker bus called the "Deuce". It was cool - but took a long time to get up and down the strip.



Sammy under a tickle attack in our suite. We stayed at Mandalay Bay - it was very nice.



It was not as warm as I had hoped - low to mid 60s - we tried swimming, but the air was cold. This is Sammy in front of one of the fountains (that wasn't turned on due to the economy).

Overall, we had a good trip. You can tell that the economy is taking its toll on Vegas - as things weren't as nice as they were in past trips. It could just be me, but I swear they have forgotten the meaning of customer service! I have never played as long as I have at Mandalay Bay and not been comp'd for at least a few souvenirs. They were flat out stingy. Probably never play there again! Stick to the off strip hotels for better odds and more comps.

My Review of Nikon Coolpix S550 Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 5x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, 2.5" LCD Display, Black

Originally submitted at Adorama

Nikon Coolpix S550 Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 5x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, 2.5" LCD Display, Black

Nikon Coolpix S550 Digital Camera, 10.0 Megapixel, 5x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, 2.5" LCD Display, Black

Good Camera for Price; can do better

By Scott the IT Geek from Cleveland, OH on 1/21/2009

 

3out of 5

Pros: Easy To Use, Bright LCD, Easy Setup

Cons: Short Battery Life, Long Lag Time

Best Uses: Family Photos, Travel

Describe Yourself: Casual Photographer

This camera is not bad for the High Resolution and the price, but it could do better.

As noted in the "CONS" section, the camera is slow at times between pictures. We use an 8GB SDHC card at Class 6 speed (supposed to be the fastest rating for SDHC) and it is still slow. The battery life MIGHT last through 1 or 2 birthday parties - the old camera would last 6 months easily.

I expected more from Nikon. I am an IT guy whos is pretty good with gadgets so if I can't figure it out, then the average user won't either. (I do admit that I have not and never do read the manual.)

(legalese)

Bowling with Buddies

Well, I wasn't going to blog about our bowling night with friends, but then my step-brother, Bryan, had to go and bowl 5 strikes in a row. So, here are some pictures for you!

Way to go Bryan!

Below is a video from Bryan's 5th in a row!

Here is a photo of the score screen! 5 Xs in a row for B - nice work!

After the 5th strike - Eric had to stick his nose in and messed Bryan up!

Christmas at Uncle Brians

We went to Uncle Brian's house on the 26th. We had fun with all the presents. Aunt Laurie made a Ginger Bread house for the kids to decorate - that was a blast. Then we all just had our fun in our own ways.

While the rest of us were decorating the ginger bread house, Dad, Shari and Jeri had other ideas for fun!

Merry Christmas - 2008

Merry Christmas!

Well, the Clark's had a great Christmas! We woke up later than expected and got ready and went straight to mass at St Joan of Arc in Streetsboro. After mass, we came home and took some pictures and then opened presents. Sammy was a blast and we are all glad that Aunt Sha could join us. Later mom and Les came over and we ate our turkey dinner. Then Lou came over and Gail and Erik brough Nana over. We played all day long!

Mommy, Sammy and Aunt Sha in their fur coats! No red paint - they are fake!

Sammy and Aunt Sha excited about the presents!

Sammy's new car!

After all the fun and playing - Sammy just crashed!

Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful gifts! We are blessed to have family and loved ones who care about us the way you all do.