OMG!!!! Could this situation be any worse. DON'T FLY THIS AIRLINE...HITCHHIKE TO CHILE BEFORE GETTING ON THIS AIRLINE.
I flew from Seattle to LA where I boarded a flight to Santiago. It was very exciting, I had never before been to South America and was spending Christmas with friends. We had a stop in Lima where we were told that we had to vacate the plane because it was broken. The truth was the air traffic controllers were on strike in Chile so we were delayed 14 hours. Finally got the plane to Santiago and I asked the flight attendant to check for my bag. He came back to me with my tag, looked me directly in the eye and said, "your bag is definitely on this plane". My bag did not arrive in Santiago. I was given $50 and instructed to buy clothes not exceeding $600. I spent $351 because I had nothing. I packed and checked only one bag, I didn't even have underwear. The bag did not show up for 5 days (that is another long part of the story, I had to retrieve the bag in Concepcion, it wasn't delivered as promised).
When I returned to the US on Jan 4 I started the process for resolution. LAN requested I send copies of the receipts...I did. LAN then requested I return a form with my case number and signature...I did. I asked they send me a cheque. Next they told me they could not issue a cheque, they would need to deposit to a bank account. I gave them my account number and routing number for a US national bank, I was told they could not wire money to a foreign bank however they have offices in the US (I am certain they pay their American staff with Amercian dollars).
Next I was told they could either deposit to a Chilean bank account or I could go to the nearest LAN office to be reimbursed. I have no family in Chile nor do I have a Chilean bank account AND I live 4000 kms from the nearest LAN office. When I responded via email explaining the situation, I was told they would get back to me. In desperation, I sent a friend to the LAN office at LAX on Friday, Feb 12th...there was no one there during normal business hours.
I spoke to customer service last week and was told that I would have to have a new claim number assigned, however no explanation as to why. The person I spoke to did not know the answer. Additionally, every time I call, I speak to a different person.
This unbelievable situation has been going on now for 59 days. Everytime I call customer service, I am told the same thing...someone will contact me within 48 hours. I never get a call. I have asked Spanish speaking friends to help me, also to no avail.
Today is Feb 15th. I called today and spoke with Maria Lopez Rojas. She could not help me, told me she could not issue a refund over the phone. She would send a message to the team who was handling the situation. I requested the contact number for that department, she responded by telling me they did not have phone and did not accept phone calls. They would be in contact within 48 hours. My Chilean friend also called, was given the same information. You can imagine how embarrassed she is with her national airline.
The company owes me $351 dollars. I am certain beyond doubt they are hoping I will give up but I will not. I lived overseas for many years and this is the worst travel experience I have ever had. I have never been so frustrated with a seemingly simple issue. DON'T FLY ON THIS AIRLINE IF YOU CAN AVOID IT. DELTA FLYS TO SANTIAGO...FLY ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY TO GET TO SANTIAGO, RIDE YOUR BIKE, DO ANYTHING TO AVOID THIS COMPANY. Unfortunately, Chile is a wonderful country and worth the visit, but go without clothes!!!!!
Lori Markham read more