Flight delays have become almost routine. Recently, a woman told how she was unable to get home after her vacation because American Airlines kept delaying her return flight.
Dallas-based podcaster and host of “Grl Talk,” Gabrielle (@gabrielleeeruth), posted about the ordeal on her TikTok account.
“I arrived in New York on Saturday the 3rd. Today is the 11th and I was supposed to be home on the 6th,” explains the ambushed traveler. In the video, she is waiting for her connecting flight at a DC airport.
She continues: “American Airlines has been canceling my flights all week. I’ve spent $2,500 on hotels in New York since Tuesday. And I’m still not home.”
She says she had to constantly rebook her flights because they were constantly delayed.
“This morning my flight was delayed. I missed my connection. And now I have to fly from New York to DC, to Kansas City and then to Dallas,” she says of her new route home. Gabrielle also adds that despite the numerous delays she experienced, American Airlines’ ground staff have not been helpful.
She concludes: “I don’t think I’ll ever fly with American Airlines again.”
The video was viewed 77,000 times, with many commenters understanding why the American Airlines customer chose to spend her money on hotels rather than trying to book a flight on another airline or switch to another mode of transportation.
@gabrielleeeruth @American Airlines ♬ Original sound – Gabrielle
One user suggested several alternative transportation options to Gabrielle’s American Airlines flight.
“Train? Car rental? Bus?” they wrote.
“Rent a U-Haul. That would be cheaper. Take an Uber. That would be cheaper,” suggested a second.
“I think there were plenty of options before spending $2,500 on hotels. NY, DC and Dallas are all major transportation hubs,” wrote a third.
Gabrielle responded to the commenter in a follow-up post, saying she was unable to get other flights because they were unavailable. She then shared comments from some viewers who had experienced the same issues with other airlines.
The customer added that she wanted American Airlines to correct its mistake rather than having to spend more money on flights with another airline.
Gabrielle also addresses commenters who are on this side of the airline. “I can’t believe how many of you decided to defend a huge corporation like American Airlines when I was being so horribly attacked by them,” she says.
“And I’m not going to drive 17 hours alone in a rental car from Newark to Dallas,” she adds.
The Daily Dot contacted the TikToker via Instagram direct message and American Airlines via email for more information on the flight delays.
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