What a nightmare! Three times we boarded different JetBlue planes at JFK and then deplaned. Instead of being on the beach by mid- afternoon, we were still stuck in airport limbo late into the evening. The first two times there were mechanical issues; the third time, we were told the crew couldn’t fly because they had been on duty for too many hours.
Didn’t they know that before we boarded, we wondered? People were understandably frustrated and angry. Som e passengers were only going away for a few days and were trying to figure out if it was even worth it to go. Others didn’t know what to do about their prepaid hotel reservations.
The Customer Service representatives were overwhelmed and decidedly not helpful. We were finally given $16 meal vouchers that didn’t buy much at pricey airport concessions. Finally, JetBlue canceled the flight and we were offered a $400 travel credit (less than the actual cost of the flight) and hotel vouchers at an airport hotel.
We had to be back at the airport for a 7 a.m. flight.
Everyone has their travel nightmare stories and this was my worst. At least now, as we are gearing up for holiday travel, we know that thanks to new Consumer Protection Rules from the Department of Transportation, you are entitled to a refund when your flight is significantly delayed or canceled, your luggage is delayed or the Wi-Fi you paid for doesn’t work. Now, according to the law, airlines must offer refunds, not just vouchers, within seven days if the ti.