It’s no secret that summer 2022 hasn’t been the easiest time to go flying. A country desperate for air travel is spoiled by staff shortages and a lack of pilots.
The latest airline troubles are causing people to pay nearly $35 to speak with a customer service agent and navigate their trip. United and JetBlue are charging $25, while Spirit and Frontier are charging $35.
Though it is not exactly new to charge customers for help, it adds to travel chaos this summer as the pandemic caused people to make money from home. Staff shortages are so epic, that flight lines are lowering the requirements to become a pilot. The number of hours for training to fly went from 1,500 to 750 hours, according to Insider.
Customers are growing angrier and angrier about booking a summer trip.
One tweeted, “JetBlue, please help me. I’m trying to book online, but I’m having technical difficulties. Is there a phone number I can speak to an actual person to book this flight that doesn’t cost $25?”
@JetBlue I've called your customer service number 6xs today. I have yet to receive a text message via the message app from a crew member for assistance. I am not paying $25 for a call. I'm a true Jet Blue loyal customer. Today I'm disappointed
— Shar Turner (@sharturner1) July 18, 2022
JetBlue did end up waiving the fee for the confused customer that was having technical difficulties.
If you don’t want to pay, Insider reports, “Delta stopped charging its $25 phone service fee in 2016, according to its website. Southwest does not charge for over-the-phone reservations. American Airlines’ fee for ‘tickets issued by American Airlines travel centers’ is currently suspended until further notice. “
