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-   -   No more Virgin (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/no-more-virgin-289996/)

damama Feb 17th, 2003 09:51 PM

No more Virgin
 
Just wanted you to know that I haven't left yet for London since Virgin Atlantic was incapable of getting a plane out of the snow. The flight was scheduled to leave at 7:15pm and had a whole day to clean off the area around the plane. They boarded us at 7:30 PM and because they waited so long, the plane got stuck in the snow again and needed deicing. They finally took us off the plane at 11:30pm without giving us any food or drink. They also would not provide lodging for those people who needed it calling it an act of God. The act of God was Sunday. Monday was an act of incopetence. Hopefully, I will have a nice London report if I get there.

Natalia Feb 17th, 2003 10:16 PM

I am sorry to read about your delay, are you flying out of New York? <BR>I know it sounds cliche but try and make the best of a bad situation, and look forward to your trip, you will have a good time once you get there.<BR><BR>I was delayed from incompetence of Air France, but it was coming home, so not as bad.

damama Feb 17th, 2003 10:21 PM

It was Dulles - New York had already been cancelled. Now that I've had the drink they should have given me, I've calmed some. However, their lack of customer service or support leaves much to be desired. Thanks for the positive thoughts though!

Natalia Feb 17th, 2003 10:28 PM

Well, at first I thought someone was writing that they had lost their virginity! That is what got my interest, but I am glad you were able to vent your feelings, I know how it is to be in your state of mind due to airlines. Have a nice drink, relax, do you have a place to stay?

damama Feb 18th, 2003 04:27 AM

Fortunately, I live in DC but Virgin did nothng to help those who needed a place to stay and those places were few and far between.

NYGirl Feb 18th, 2003 05:31 AM

<BR>I think there might be a few more people in the NY/NJ area that are no longer Virgins either after yesterdays snowstorm. If airports close due to weather, I would not fault them for incompetence, better be safe than have ice on the wings and crash. Just be sure to weedle some free flights or upgrades out of them!

francophile03 Feb 18th, 2003 05:41 AM

I'm sorry about the bad experience with Virgin Air. It reminded me of the time we boarded a British Airways flight and they had a problem with the airplane so we were sitting there for at least 4 hours at the gate. They opened up the galley and had snacks though. And after the time limit passed and they could not fix the problem they shuttled all of us to the Hyatt and Hilton hotels near the airport overnight (they only offered one flight per day). I think that was very nice of them-well, it was over 10 years ago so I don't know if their policy has changed.

Patrick Feb 18th, 2003 06:14 AM

I think this post was about someone losing their virginity, Natalia. Sounds like damama got screwed!

RufusTFirefly Feb 18th, 2003 10:13 AM

The individual airlines do not remove the snow. The airport authority is responsible for snow removal. Your problem had nothing to do with Virgin Atlantic.

janis Feb 18th, 2003 10:38 AM

Sorry about your delays - but Rufus is correct. Virgin does not do any snow removal - blame IAD. I have always had outstanding service from Virgin - hope they come through for you when you finally get on your way.

xoxoxo Feb 18th, 2003 11:29 AM

Geez, Quit complaining. It wasn't done toyou on purpose. I've been waiting since Sunday night to get a flight back to Denver, and now I missing a third day of work that I won't be reimbursed for. But, C'est la vie. There's nothing I can do about it, nor can you.

pop Feb 18th, 2003 01:43 PM

damama<BR><BR>During a recent Christmas storm I was stuck in Boston while my daughter was stuck in NY (I was flying Air France and she flying Delta) on a trip to Italy. In both cases, each airline acted in the same manner as Virgin did with you. My flight was to leave at 8:15pm. After 10pm, AF made the annoncement that the flight was cancelled and to call back after 9:00am the next day, eleven hours later, and promptly proceeded to vanish. Neither AF nor Delta made any attempt to help &quot;their&quot; clients during this time of limbo. I would have to say no airline is worth a damn when an Act of God takes place and they obviously know how to take full advantage of the situation. I need to find out how to tell my credit card company my payment was late due to an Act of God.

itswoody Feb 18th, 2003 02:08 PM

The airlines only have an obligation to provide lodging if the delay is their fault, i.e., a mechanical problem. Given their financial situation these days, don't expect much more. Sometimes they'll give you a discount hotel voucher but that's it.

elle Feb 18th, 2003 03:15 PM

Natalia, <BR><BR>I thought the same thing and my dirty mind was a little disappointed. . .


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