We’ve all ran into some sort of trouble no matter we are.  Whether we’re in the grocery store or we’re flying the great blue skies, there’s bound to be troubles somewhere.  If you think that complaining to a big corporation is going to get you no where, think again!  A company is doing whatever they can to keep you as a customer, no matter what it takes.  If you complain the right way, you’ll see some perks.

Is it worth complaining about?
The first thing we want to ask ourselves is if the complaint is actually worth our time.  Are you going to go through a bunch of trouble to complain about not getting your coffee?  If so, let’s not bother.  We need to complain about bigger issues.  A good example would be if you booked your flight and couldn’t get on because of overbooking and they gave your seat to someone that came last minute.  Now, that’s something we can complain about.

Know all of the rules
Before we even start writing this letter or calling, make sure that you know all of the rules that the airline company has issued.  Make sure you check on their websites to see how they handle lost luggage, service complaints, etc.  You may find that you complain and they simply send you to a statement stating they can’t do anything about it.

Try and solve the problem in person
If you’re reading this after you’ve had a complaint, then we will have to remember this one for next time.  It’s always best to confront the person and/or staff at the scene of the crime.  This way, you can get the answers face to face.  Airline companies feel a little safer when they can hide behind a letter or phone.  Remember, if you’re complaining in person, BE NICE!  If you’re outrageous, yell, and cause a scene, they won’t want to help you.

Know the details
Before we start writing that letter, make sure we get all of the details.  The details you’re going to want to grab are the names of the staff member, the flight number, the airline, the time, the date, and anything else related to the complaint.

Get a witness
If you were treated poorly or you know of someone that witnessed the scene, try and get that person’s information.  If it’s too late, then try and remember this one for next time.  The more people you have on your side, the more it makes the airline look bad.  A witness can always do good for you and your complaint.

Know who to contact
After you write your letter, don’t just send it off to the airline company, make sure you contact the following companies as well –

All of the above numbers will help you get the answers you need.  If your complain is safety related, these are great places to start.  The reasons you’ll want to call these numbers is because they will help you bring attention to saftey issues, etc.

In the end, the airline will probably do nothing about it, so don’t expect much.  This doesn’t mean you should try because sometimes you will get a response.  If you think your complaint is severe enough, try calling up your local news station.  Airlines hate this and will go through a bunch of loops just to get you what you want.  If none of it works in the long haul, just switch airlines, this way, the company never gets your money again.