My trip started out with checking in to the ticket counter. The agent at the counter acted as though it may have been her first day, as she couldn't get my baggage tag to print. She ended up having to hand write it. I got to sit at the counter for over 20 minutes and she fumbled around. Next, it was time to go through the one gate security. No problem. The 10 of us moved from one side of security to the other without incident. We then proceeded to the aircraft, boarded the plane, and awaited our departure. The pilot (there were no flight attendants) gave us the safety speech then noted that the plane would idle for 5 minutes - this was normal. After 10-15 minutes of idling and the pilot revving the engine, he came back and stated that the gauges that indicate thrust from the engine were not functioning, and that this was a fairly serious problem, so we needed to deplane. We would then have to call an alternate aircraft to come get us. The attendants showed their inexperience here, as they had us deplane and go through the front door of the airport, instead of past security, so when they then told us to get back on the same aircraft we just deplaned, we got to go through security all over again. This ended up meaning that our flight was over an hour late (for a 45 minute flight). The attendant told each person who was concerned about their connection that she had no authority over connecting flights and if they wanted to chance it - go ahead. If they wanted her to reschedule - she would, but had to do it while they were in the air, so there was no confirmation about what flight they may get on. Everyone ended up chancing it as she was short with the passengers, clearly stated she had no authority, and had no helpful information. Due to this delay (or the fact that i had a hand written baggage ticket) my bag did not make my next flight and it was delayed for more than 6 hours! I was flying in to a cold climate (19 degrees) so I would have liked to have my warm weather clothes upon my arrival. Sadly, this was my better experience.
Upon my return, I was 2 hours early for my connection from LAX. I waited in front of my gate and even double checked that i was at the proper airline (Great Lakes Airlines is not on most of the boards). The board at the gate still stated that the current flight was to Merced and Visalia was next. After a while, i was getting concerned that i did not see a gate attendant, no flight had arrived, i did not see people deplaning from the arrival - so i went to double check with the flight attendant the next gate over. She went and found someone else and i was told that the flight had already left (i was still 30 minutes before departure). She said tough luck she called for Veronica (not my name, but she meant me). She was extremely rude. I don't see how an airline can depart from a different door from the posted gate, not update signs, and then LEAVE EARLY WITHOUT ALL PASSENGERS! I ended up having to rent a car, and drive in 6pm LA traffic back to Visalia. The airport was closed at this time, so i could not pick up my luggage. I left work early the day to return the rental car and visit the airport to pick up my bag. After 15 minutes of ringing the bell, knocking on the back door - i ended up leaving as there was no one at the entire airport. After many phone calls and a phone message, i got a hold of someone who said she was back at the airport and she had my bag. When i told her of my experience and how i would not fly out of this airport again, her exact response was "that sucks, i wouldn't fly here either"
I think their staff's inexperience and their blatant disregard for customer service far outweigh any convenience this airport may have to offer. I'll be braving LA traffic from now on in order to not deal with them. read more
