Cheap Flights From Ft. Lauderdale, Florida To Rapid City, South Dakota - No Deals

“This demand was ABSURD”

by jmwetzler on July 9, 2010

Flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Rapid City

Airline:

American

RT/OW

One Way

Number of Stops:

1 stop in Chicago, Illinois

Date of Flight:

July 2010

Seat Class:

economy

They were boarding the plane from back to front and I was in line to board during the last group because my seat was in Row 9. When about a dozen rows were left to board, they announced that the overhead bins were full and only one under-seat carry-on would now be allowed. I had no suitcase - only a tote containing my purse and other valuable items and an extremely valuable government computer in a laptop bag. I would have removed the laptop and valuables BUT was told the case could not be picked up plane-side at ORD. I pleaded that Chicago was NOT my final destination! No matter to them. They said I'd have to exit security; wait at baggage claim; then enter back through security to make my connection. I find this ABSURD. As I entered, I noticed plenty of room in the first class bag compartment, as all first class passengers had checked in and been seated. I asked if I might place my laptop bag there but the flight attendant said, "No, it's full." (Obviously, it was not.) Fortunately, my seatmate was helpful in locating bin space to squeeze in my tote so I could place the laptop bag under the seat and make my connection. The flight attendants were disdainful and unwilling to even try to help. What the other frequent fliers on AA have consistently told me is true: "Customer service is dead at American Airlines. They simply don't care." It's been a long time since I've flown AA and whenever I have a choice in the future, you can bet that American will be my last choice.