Author
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Topic: Could NOT get on plane, NO REFUND!
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jammer Prowler Junkie Posts: 142 From: falling waters, W.V. Registered: FEB 2004
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posted 05-03-2004 05:51 AM
Was going to Aruba for 25th. Did not get ittenerary till 4 dqays before leaving. This is when I got info about what I need as far as Passport or State issued Birth certificate,[NOT HOSPITAL ISSUED] Well I had hospital and could not get on plane. No insurance and prepaid, NO FEFUND,My fault for not knowing I need these papers. What do you think? I am flipping out mad!
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meancat Prowler Junkie Posts: 3635 From: MODDERSVILLE, MICHIGAN Registered: AUG 2002
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posted 05-03-2004 08:43 AM
To bad you could not make it.It is beautiful there. I've been there 6 or 7 times. Finally took my wife 3 years ago. (always took my girl friend before that) She just loved it there.I like them European women(they don't like wearing clothes)God bless them.I travel internationally all the time. I tell folks always carry a passport.Even my son has one. The time to get one, is when your not traveling. Leaves you plenty of time to wait for it.Don't try for a refund. Ask to go for another trip,(a credit) at a later time, if that works.(you must go there,you might never come back) ------------------
This message has been edited by meancat on 05-03-2004 at 03:10 PM
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DR PROWLER Prowler Junkie Posts: 4079 From: TORONTO,ONTARIO,CANADA Registered: JUL 2002
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posted 05-03-2004 12:46 PM
Jammer-sorry about your luck on that trip...that just plain hurts! Jerry,being such a world traveller,I think they should make you an honorary citizen of every country you visit!Just think you could even end up with a Zimbabwean passport one day...
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jammer Prowler Junkie Posts: 142 From: falling waters, W.V. Registered: FEB 2004
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posted 05-03-2004 04:42 PM
Well, what they are offering is about a $800 penealty. So I said book me to Punta Cana next week which is about 2 thirds the price of what I PAID. and I leave this sat and when I get back I am going to SUE the pants off of them. MY WIFE AND i NEVER REALLY BOOKED A TRIP FOR JUST OURSELFS. WE ALWAYS HAD OUR SON, WHO IS JUST FINISHING UP COLLEGE.So this is our first experence with this. Thanks for your concerns and be carefull out there!!!!!
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xpguy Prowler Junkie Posts: 1108 From: Carlsbad, CA Registered: MAR 2004
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posted 05-03-2004 09:26 PM
Personally, I would not have let the plane take off! Just kidding. Christine and I hope you find some compassion at the airline.
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CTProwler Prowler Junkie Posts: 3915 From: Sherman CT USA Registered: NOV 2002
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posted 05-03-2004 10:27 PM
Had a similar problem last year going to Cancun mexico! My inlaws decided at the last minute to go. I get them on a earlier flight and have a limo pick them up and they don't make it to the hotel. Come to find out my mother in law didn't ever become a U.S. citizen. They never let her on the plane. Lost 2 airfares, limo etc.How you can come to this country 50 years ago as a child and not become a citizen is beyond me! This year going to Cabo many people with friends kids couldn't get on the plane without a notarized note from the parents. You have to check this stuff out long before you leave. U.S. Gov. is Really worried about kids leaving the country with just one parent! I charge all my trips on AMEX card i have all sorts of insurance, life, baggage, etc.------------------
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meancat Prowler Junkie Posts: 3635 From: MODDERSVILLE, MICHIGAN Registered: AUG 2002
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posted 05-04-2004 09:07 AM
That picture is too funny,Reminds me of when I was a child and mom and dad wouldn't take me any where,(the thing's I had to do).Suing is never the answer and you won't win.without going into detail I'm a 6 year law student(MSU) and work on the 17th floor of the Wilson building.It can't be done. But go on your trip and have a great time (think of me and roman often, if we where there you couldn't help but have fun). ------------------
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jammer Prowler Junkie Posts: 142 From: falling waters, W.V. Registered: FEB 2004
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posted 05-04-2004 02:49 PM
Hey Meancat, I will have a good time even without you and Roman, but thanks for the thought. And I dont see why I can not sue, I have spoken with an attorney and she said I have grounds, but that is for later. I am just looking forward to those topless woman on the beach and a fist full of drinks for a week. Bye all
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Bcoffman Gray Ghost Prowler Junkie Posts: 2418 From: Marshall,Mo.65340 Registered: DEC 2002
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posted 05-04-2004 04:42 PM
quote: Originally posted by jammer: Hey Meancat, I will have a good time even without you and Roman, but thanks for the thought. And I dont see why I can not sue, I have spoken with an attorney and she said I have grounds, but that is for later. I am just looking forward to those topless woman on the beach and a fist full of drinks for a week. Bye all
Watch out for the topless sunbathers. Evening newscast last night on TV. 40 some-odd riders in a boat moved to the side to see the topless sunbathers. Too many on one side. Boat turned over and everbody fell in the lake. No-one drowned. All went for an unexpected swim.
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idive Prowler Junkie Posts: 8483 From: Texas USA Registered: APR 2003
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posted 05-04-2004 08:44 PM
That was at Hippy Hollow in Austin.
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YellowFever unregistered Posts: 8483 From: Texas USA Registered: APR 2003
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posted 05-05-2004 06:50 AM
Jammer,Sue the airline for what? Following regulations? It's pretty much common knowledge that flying almost anywhere out of the country requires a passport. As far as the length of time to get a passport, it can be done in less then a week if you are flying out then. You need to show proof you are flying say 5 days from now and they can expedite it. otherwise, process takes about a month (or used to). Skycaps at most airports are also notary's and can validate birth certificates (I've seen them do this a number of times). This may have changed though with all the homeland security issues. As far as the attorney goes, wise up, they will say anything you want to hear. Why? Think retainer up front. I'm guessing at least $1,500 if all he/she plans to do is write a threatening letter. Think $150-#300 an hour if it goes to trial 2 years from now. You'll end up spending $10,000 to try to get back $800. Also, read the back of the ticket, I'm willing to bet there is tons of legalese that will work for the airline and against you especially if your ticket type was non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Skidmore Prowler Junkie Posts: 85 From: Huntington, IN, USA Registered: MAY 2003
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posted 05-05-2004 11:07 AM
Jammer, Even if you and your wife do use a certified birth certificate and drivers license, you will also need a copy of your marriage license to validate your wife because of the maiden name. Sometimes they are really picky, sometimes not. Me and the wife just got back from Cabo San Lucas yesterday, and all we ever had to show was a drivers license. Just depends on the mood and demeanor of the customs people at the time.
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CTProwler Prowler Junkie Posts: 3915 From: Sherman CT USA Registered: NOV 2002
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posted 05-05-2004 01:00 PM
Skidmore---I got back on April 24th for a week!! Did you go to Cabo Wabo?, The Office? Did you Play Eldorado Golf Course? I have a Timeshare there. Good time, rough water for the kids. Next year they stay home!!------------------
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idive Prowler Junkie Posts: 8483 From: Texas USA Registered: APR 2003
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posted 05-05-2004 03:09 PM
Anytime you need your birth certificate to leave the country in lieu of a passport, It has to be easily obtained from your birth county courthouse WITH the official hard seal stamped on it. NO copies, original only. This only costs about $5 and can be done by mail if need be (which is dumb cause you can get my birth certificate that way by telling them you are me). Some places, such as Mexico or Canada, will accept a notarized affidavit stating very simply that you are who you claim to be and stating your birth date and birthplace (city, county, state). In a pinch, this can be written on the spot and just notarized. Your travel agent/airline should have told you what you needed, but its like taxes, its ultimately up to you to find out and provide what you need when you go. Sorry for your problems. The ONLY way I would attempt to sue over this would be with a contingency fee based atty. I think you'd also have better luck going after the agent if you used one, but either way, I don't think you'll win your case.
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jammer Prowler Junkie Posts: 142 From: falling waters, W.V. Registered: FEB 2004
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posted 05-06-2004 05:56 AM
Not sueing airline, Travel agency. Never made it clear to me what I needed to get out of country. But cooler heads have prevailed, and am now being offered a $400 out of the original $800 penalty back towards another trip in future.
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YellowFever unregistered Posts: 142 From: falling waters, W.V. Registered: FEB 2004
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posted 05-06-2004 06:56 AM
quote: Originally posted by idive: The ONLY way I would attempt to sue over this would be with a contingency fee based atty.
Attorney's only work on that type of basis on a guaranteed win (ie. your car is hit from behind and that guy has insurance). This type of case would not fall into that category. Also, on a contigency basis, their fee is 45% (or greater) of what is won PLUS expenses. It is easy for the expenses to add up to another 20% (or more). Guess who gets the lion's share and guess who goes home with a look on their face of, "What just happened???"
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TFischer Prowler Junkie Posts: 4913 From: Texas, USA Registered: MAR 2002
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posted 05-06-2004 09:49 AM
Typical contingency fees are usually maxed at 33%, not 45. If it's a win, then and only then would you pay the contingency fee and the court costs would be billed to the non-prevailing party.
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YellowFever unregistered Posts: 4913 From: Texas, USA Registered: MAR 2002
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posted 05-06-2004 08:21 PM
quote: Originally posted by TFischer: Typical contingency fees are usually maxed at 33%, not 45. If it's a win, then and only then would you pay the contingency fee and the court costs would be billed to the non-prevailing party.
Guess it depends on the area. I've seen them as high as 45% PLUS expenses. most insurance cases never make it to court and are settled prior. Lawyers don't like to lose and have to pay for their lights and staff and not get paid at the end of the day hence, they only take contingecy cases that are a guaranteed win like auto accidents. (this case would not be)
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Skidmore Prowler Junkie Posts: 85 From: Huntington, IN, USA Registered: MAY 2003
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posted 05-07-2004 07:51 AM
CT, I was there for a week. APR 29 - May 4. Went to Cabo Wabo twice. Didn`t see Sammy Hagar anywhere! LOL Went Marlin fishing and caught huge fish (my arms were killing me after that). Put away more margiritas and mexican beer than I ever have in my life! Shopping was fun. Its unbelievable how good the service is there. Stayed at the Westin Regina (beautiful place, and they treated you like a king). I think it`s a five star place. First time there, will DEFINATELY go back. I`m sure you know how nice it is, especially if you bought a time share there.Bill S
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jammer Prowler Junkie Posts: 142 From: falling waters, W.V. Registered: FEB 2004
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posted 05-07-2004 05:09 PM
Well, here we go, of to punta Cana early tomorrow, Set em up Rico, taking the clubs, I hear great courses there. Topless woman, all I can drink, [that sounds like trouble] Golf, and all I can eat, maybe a little deep sea fishing. Got to get my mind off the kat. Later All, take me to my hangover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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meancat Prowler Junkie Posts: 3635 From: MODDERSVILLE, MICHIGAN Registered: AUG 2002
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posted 05-07-2004 09:29 PM
For the life of me,I can't imagine why people drink on vacation,They get drunk forget all about it what is the since of it all.Why I've even seen some people get so drunk they have taken back things they never stoled.I tell you it's a waste of good money.But you know me I always say live and let live. ------------------
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CTProwler Prowler Junkie Posts: 3915 From: Sherman CT USA Registered: NOV 2002
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posted 05-08-2004 08:46 AM
Meancat! There is a difference in drinking and getting drunk! If you get so drunk you don't remember anything well thats way over the limit. Its fun to have enough to get a little Buzz on and feel good. I started drinking in Bars at 14 with the guys on the football team. Drinking age was 18 back then. I learned really fast when to stop. Nothing's worse then a hangover in the morning! Being a overly large man my whole life It takes a lot to get me drunk.------------------
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DR PROWLER Prowler Junkie Posts: 4079 From: TORONTO,ONTARIO,CANADA Registered: JUL 2002
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posted 05-08-2004 09:00 AM
Jerry,I told you before we didn't spend a week in Jamaica-it was the cruise...
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