The Consumerist fights back
Are you getting ripped off? Do you suspect some big box mega-company is screwing you? Then check out the Consumerist.com, a blog full of consumer woes, service complaints, and news about the little guy getting screwed.
How uplifting! They say they are "consumer-biased" because they believe good customer service is not just good policy but saves money.
A recent post is about United Airlines clamping down on handing out free food on nearly all coach flights starting September 2. "The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that United Airlines will no longer offer free snacks in coach...They are also dropping complimentary meals in business class except for "premium transcontinental flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York." Shockingly, this move coincides with the airlines' expansion of their "buy-on-board" food offerings, says the Chronicle."
Another post shines the light on bad consumers, who appear to be guilty in the theft of 5,000 gallons of gasoline from a station in Wauwatosa.
The site also has tips for tracking down a phone number and email for higher ups at any company, for when you need to file a complaint or get to a supervisor.
The Consumerist is part of the Gawker blog network, which also includes Gizmodo, Defamer, Wonkette, and Gawker.
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About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
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I did like the link to the page where you can hopefully reach the people you need to to complain about something. I am going to use that to try and track down a Hyundai service manager in the area. My husband had a very poor experience with them a couple of days ago at our new Hyundai dealer.
Thanks for your blog, Julia. You do a good job.
I like The Consumerist, although, at times, it appears that some of the complaints could be avoided in the first place with some common sense, but that's my take.
More often than not, a good alert system in regard to scams occuring in the general marketplace.
For the readers who come to the Bargain Hunter for deals, here's the link again for The Consumerist section on shrink-ray products:
http://consumerist.com/tag/grocery-shrink-ray
SO_CAL_RETAIL_SLUT
Regarding United, the newspaper article from the Chronicle wasn't very clear about the removal of food from international flights in coach. At this point, United is only charging for food in coach for non-stop international flights to Europe that originate at Washington Dulles.
Will United expand the no food in coach to other international flights and destinations? It will depend on the competition. I bet it sticks.
Today, if you're originating on United from LAX or San Francisco on a non-stop flight to Europe or Asia, free food will continue to be provided in coach.
Also, the business class flights on United for domestic service apply to their wide body 777 aircraft that are used to position the aircraft in another city. Very few United flights in the United States offer business class.
In my opinion the loss of meal service in those business class seats is wrong as the service is comparable to domestic two-cabin service with first class, yet first class continues with free meals.
My hunch why United is taking this step, because United operates very few 777 flights with business class within the United States, and more often than not, it's passengers upgrading (like myself), or employees deadheading to and from their domiciles for work. So, United looked at the numbers and decided the expense of catering does not justify the lack of revenue in the business class cabin.
As a passenger, I certainly will not spend money or use miles to double upgrade, I'll just find a two-cabin aircraft to upgrade on. I will miss the extra space on the 777....wonderful aircraft!
An exception is the premium/upgraded trans-con service from New York Kennedy to both LAX and San Francisco, known as United p.s. (actually a very, very good service). United utilizes 757's on those routes with three cabins, including business class.
The p.s. service will also get hit with some food cuts, no more second snack service in first and business.
Another way around the no food in coach on United from Dulles is to fly on one of United's partners in the Star Alliance (Air Canada, Lufthansa, BMI, etc.).
Ah, the joys of flying in the air today.
Maybe ol'Herb once he his officially completed his obligations with Southwest will set-up a new airline. I have a name for him...Air a La Carte! lol
Now, if only we can get the government to fix the ATC (Air Traffic Control) problem....
SO_CAL_RETAIL_SLUT