Flight cancellations and delays are very much a part of travelers' experiences with airlines. This week, things were made even worse after severe weather on the East Coast disrupted flight plans. On top of that, mechanical problems on an American Airlines flight from Buffalo to Charlotte, North Carolina have left several people frustrated - especially a newlywed couple from Buffalo.
Jillian and Nick Trageser were hoping to fly out Monday morning for a honeymoon trip to a resort at Montego Bay in Jamaica. However, the flight was twice canceled and then delayed for a third day.
After three days of spending their honeymoon in the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, the couple finally demanded that American Airlines pay for a taxi to take them to Rochester to catch a flight to Charlotte.
The Trageser's had purchased the flight tickets as part of a package bought directly from the Jamaican resort.
American Airlines issued the following statement:
"It does appear the two flights from Buffalo they were on canceled due to a mechanical issue.
Our customer relations team will be reaching out to the family in order to make this right. We are also willing to change their return flights, if necessary, in order for them to extend their honeymoon. We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans, and we are sorry for the trouble this caused."
The AAA of Western & Central NY said this incident is an example of why using a travel agent can be beneficial. When things go wrong, the travel agent will be responsible for finding you another way to get to your destination quicker.
Angela Wawrzynek, Travel & Sales Operations Manager for AAA, said it is also a good idea to purchase travel insurance for big trips. The insurance will help reimburse travelers for costs associated with delays or cancellations.
The Trageser's said they are already out $1,500 for resort time that they paid for but were unable to use. They will also be incurring extra costs for an overnight hotel stay in Charlotte until they can get their final flight to Jamaica, hopefully, on Thursday.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more in his report.
