posted
Monday morning my father-in-law passed away unexpectedly.
The funeral is Thursday in Moncton, NB. The best ticket price we could find was $1100 per ticket, minus a puny discount for death in the family, bringing it to just under $1000, which is still a rip-off.
Anyway, the only way you can pay for an airline ticket (from where we live) is by credit card, so today we make a payment into our credit card so there is enough funds to pay for the tickets. We tell them that the payment has to go through right away because of the circumstances. No way! The Mastercard representative tells me that payment verification takes 24-48 (!) hours and that's it. But if we can't pay the tickets before midnight we'll miss our flight, which means that we'll miss the funeral.
So we are reduced to going around and asking friends if we can use their credit card, because Mastercard does not allow us to pay for the tickets today, even though the funds are there. How hard can it be to verify that? It didn't even help that our bank tried to talk to them.
Am I wrong to expect a better customer service? I really wish we wouldn't have to deal with stupid things like this on top of everything else.
Sorry for the rant, I don't expect help, just venting my frustration over the rigidity of the system.
posted
Lotti...Sorry to hear of your Father-in-Law's passing.
I just had a thought about an alternative way for you. I don't know your circumstances but I do know that I once needed to get my credit limit on my Mastecard raised. I called them and had the requested increase in a matter of minutes, right over the phone. And it was instantly active.
Just a thought.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
Hiya Lotti, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Sometimes you can contact an airline directly and they'll help you make arrangements at a discounted rate. The worst they can do is say no.
Brian
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Sorry to hear of your frustration added to everything else Lottie. Hope it helps to know I'm thinking of you and your family, and if you want to use my credit card you are welcome. I know you are good for it and I have enough balance left to handle it. Love Kel
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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posted
Thank you all so much. My husband was able to arrange things with help of a friend. Makes me feel a lot better.
Dave, I just automatically assumed that raising the credit limit would take as least as long. Is this also Mastercard you are talking about?
We did order from the airline (Westjet) directly. I was always under the impression that you get a bigger discount if you have to attend a close relative's funeral. We gave them all the information about it.
Kelly, thank you for your generous offer, it's great to have friends like you!
Yes, it was Mastercard. Took all of 5 minutes to have the limit increased and instantly available.
They have your current credit info instantly available these days so they can make the decision instantly.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
I'm very sorry for your situation Lotti, but a paper shredder couldn't cut that card fast enough prior to me sending it back to them in a very dirty envelope!
That's a ridiculous way to be treated when you need help.
Sorry about your loss and glad that you are on your way.
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
Lotti, sorry to hear about your father in law.
Like Dave said, they can raise the limit in an instant and without regard to account history cause they're going to get paid one way or another.
When you run the ACH payments (clearing house) that's just the way it goes, the account is credited quickly but the funds are not available til the next biz day. The exception is if your credit card bank is also the same bank you do all your regular banking through. I've "pushed" a payment through to clear up credit balance when my ATM card wouldn't work at a particular terminal (at the camera store when I bought my canon digital). I called the 24 hour number on the credit card and they pushed the payment through in seconds cause they had my other account info on their screen too.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
Lotti, our condolences to you and your family too.
One word of caution about closing your account. If you have a balance and you close your account you can expect to have them increase the interest on the balance to the max that they can. Been there done that.
Paula
-------------------- Lee & Paula Iverson United Graphics Sign Co. Kingsford, MI piverson@chartermi.net Posts: 30 | From: Kingsford, MI USA | Registered: Jul 1999
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Lotti, what a shame that you had to go through this BS at an already terrible and stressful time. My thoughts are with you. Love...Jill
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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