Airport Avenger: Tips and Top Secrets for Airlines, Airfares, Fees, Security and Cancelations

When an airline causes a problem, it should make an effort to correct it. The government and the rest of the flying public should know what's going on as well. Don't settle for a payoff from an airline to keep your mouth shut.

Start by contacting customer service. Many airline websites are confusing mazes to navigate. If a customer service link isn't obvious, click on the "Site Map" link, usually at the side or bottom of the page, and look for it there. We've listed complaint links for some major airlines on this page.

Unless you want to stay on hold for a long time and listen to annoying company pitches, you're probably better off to email your gripe than to phone it in. Email also gives you time to compose your thoughts and to describe your problem in a business-like tone.


Save the crude language. You might feel better venting, but you could blow a travel voucher or other compensation from an airline that might want to make amends.


Airlines are not required to do anything to make up for things like broken toilets, weather delays or rude flight attendants. But speaking up may get you an apology and a voucher from an airline that cares about its customers, or really doesn't want the government to hear about the problem.

Nevertheless let the Department of Transportation know about the problem. It's easy to file a complaint online. Click here.

• AirTran

• Alaska Air

• American Airlines

• Continental Airlines

• Delta Air Lines

• JetBlue Airways

• Southwest Airlines

• United Airlines

• US Airways

• Virgin America

Problems also can arise at airport security.
Click here for more information on filing a complaint about TSA agents or procedures.

More tips and top secrets about complaints that count:

Is Anybody Listening?

Take It Up a Notch

Security Complaints