Monday, May 24, 2010
Product Review : RaZbaby Teether Rocks!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Say No to Spirit Airlines!
Here is a letter I wrote to the customer service department and below a response from them. What a joke!! Never Ever fly Spirit Air if you can help it. There are other airlines that offer better customer service and actually can help you when you call for help. This cheap flight cost us a lot of headache!
To whom it may concern,
I just wish to bring to your attention the horrific experience my family and I endured on a recent trip to Ft. Lauderdale Florida when flying on your airline. We were flying with our infant and had made a note in our reservation that we had a baby. When arriving to La Guardia airport we waited in a line for at least an hour to check our 1 bag. Preiviously we were told we could not choose seats prior to boarding and so when we finally got onto the flight we were sat in the last row near the bathrooms. The area smelled like urine and our seats were soiled with spilt coffee (it seems) as well as the tray table. My son was fidgeting his arms and kept touching the dirty surface. When we politely asked if there were any other seats available that perhaps reclined so my son and I would be more comfortable, the attendant told us that our seats did recline (which they did not!) and ignored our discomfort. We then asked if they could perhaps give us something to wipe the seats with we received a roll of the eyes and a wet paper towel. I could barely reach my diaper bag to even get wipes or supplies needed for my baby. My husband is 6 1" and his knees were bruised from rubbing against the seat in front of us. It was the worst flight I have ever been on in my life. Thank god my son was good and did not get too fussy. As he fell asleep the attendant rudely asked me to lift the sunshade which actually was between my seat and the man in front of me and I was holding my sleeping son who was bothered by the heat.
On the way back we called ahead to try and make sure our seats were not in the back and were told we had to pay a reserved seat fee of 16 dollars per person. We explained the ordeal and asked to speak to a manager at which point the woman told us there was no one to talk to and nothing to be done, we just had to speak to someone at the airport. She then asked us if we wanted to get 3 free flights- we told her there was no need since we were never flying spirit again! We arrived hours early because we knew what we were in for. After waiting in line for an hour a lady told us that if were checking in with kids that is a different line and we had to move. There was no sign indicting this on the way in. Luckily we were able to get seats other than the back row on the way back after talking to the desk. Our flight was delayed an hour and a half so we were in the airport all day and our seats were still dirty on the way back.
I realize that we did get the seats at discounted rate but at what cost to you throw away customer service??? Plus we had to pay for our luggage to be checked and even water and soda on the flight. A friend flew Delta - paid even less and didnt have this experience so it can be done.
Perhaps your flight attendants should be a bit more courteous to guests in need. I work in the hospitality industry and a little goes a long way, this was by far the worst experience I have had on a flight ever.
Sincerely,
XXXX
Dear Ms. Landowne,
Thank you for your correspondence with Spirit Airlines. We welcome an opportunity to assist our valued customers whenever possible.
On behalf of Spirit Airlines, let me apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. I would like to assure you that what you described in your email is not the normal customer service provided by Spirit Airlines.
We are committed to offering quality customer service and ensuring that your flight experiences are both positive and memorable. I am sorry that you feel your experience with us did not measure up to the standards we strive to achieve.
As for the substandard conditions of our aircraft. All of our aircrafts receive a thorough cleaning after the last flight of the day, and a quick turn around cleaning in-between flights. I apologize if you feel that the cleaning crew was not as diligent as they should have been. Please rest assured that your feedback has been taken seriously. I have copied your letter and have shared it with our In-Flight Director.
Thank you for contacting Spirit Airlines. We strive to provide you the best service coupled with the lowest fares possible.
Sincerely,
Michael Ferrante
Corporate Consumer Relations
Spirit Airlines
( What a crock of you know what!!!)
To whom it may concern,
I just wish to bring to your attention the horrific experience my family and I endured on a recent trip to Ft. Lauderdale Florida when flying on your airline. We were flying with our infant and had made a note in our reservation that we had a baby. When arriving to La Guardia airport we waited in a line for at least an hour to check our 1 bag. Preiviously we were told we could not choose seats prior to boarding and so when we finally got onto the flight we were sat in the last row near the bathrooms. The area smelled like urine and our seats were soiled with spilt coffee (it seems) as well as the tray table. My son was fidgeting his arms and kept touching the dirty surface. When we politely asked if there were any other seats available that perhaps reclined so my son and I would be more comfortable, the attendant told us that our seats did recline (which they did not!) and ignored our discomfort. We then asked if they could perhaps give us something to wipe the seats with we received a roll of the eyes and a wet paper towel. I could barely reach my diaper bag to even get wipes or supplies needed for my baby. My husband is 6 1" and his knees were bruised from rubbing against the seat in front of us. It was the worst flight I have ever been on in my life. Thank god my son was good and did not get too fussy. As he fell asleep the attendant rudely asked me to lift the sunshade which actually was between my seat and the man in front of me and I was holding my sleeping son who was bothered by the heat.
On the way back we called ahead to try and make sure our seats were not in the back and were told we had to pay a reserved seat fee of 16 dollars per person. We explained the ordeal and asked to speak to a manager at which point the woman told us there was no one to talk to and nothing to be done, we just had to speak to someone at the airport. She then asked us if we wanted to get 3 free flights- we told her there was no need since we were never flying spirit again! We arrived hours early because we knew what we were in for. After waiting in line for an hour a lady told us that if were checking in with kids that is a different line and we had to move. There was no sign indicting this on the way in. Luckily we were able to get seats other than the back row on the way back after talking to the desk. Our flight was delayed an hour and a half so we were in the airport all day and our seats were still dirty on the way back.
I realize that we did get the seats at discounted rate but at what cost to you throw away customer service??? Plus we had to pay for our luggage to be checked and even water and soda on the flight. A friend flew Delta - paid even less and didnt have this experience so it can be done.
Perhaps your flight attendants should be a bit more courteous to guests in need. I work in the hospitality industry and a little goes a long way, this was by far the worst experience I have had on a flight ever.
Sincerely,
XXXX
Dear Ms. Landowne,
Thank you for your correspondence with Spirit Airlines. We welcome an opportunity to assist our valued customers whenever possible.
On behalf of Spirit Airlines, let me apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. I would like to assure you that what you described in your email is not the normal customer service provided by Spirit Airlines.
We are committed to offering quality customer service and ensuring that your flight experiences are both positive and memorable. I am sorry that you feel your experience with us did not measure up to the standards we strive to achieve.
As for the substandard conditions of our aircraft. All of our aircrafts receive a thorough cleaning after the last flight of the day, and a quick turn around cleaning in-between flights. I apologize if you feel that the cleaning crew was not as diligent as they should have been. Please rest assured that your feedback has been taken seriously. I have copied your letter and have shared it with our In-Flight Director.
Thank you for contacting Spirit Airlines. We strive to provide you the best service coupled with the lowest fares possible.
Sincerely,
Michael Ferrante
Corporate Consumer Relations
Spirit Airlines
( What a crock of you know what!!!)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Product Review : Cloub B Gentle Giraffe and Twilight Turtle
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tips for Traveling with an Infant
Our first family trip was to Hollywood Florida this March . . . What a trip! We had a great time and our son had a great first swim in the pool.
Here are some tips for traveling with an infant:
1. Most airlines allow strollers and car seats to be checked for free and many right at the gate.
2. Declare any milk for the baby when going through the security check. Check out the TSA website for more info.
3. A diaper bag is not included as a carry on, it may be a lot so a back pack is a good carry on bag so you have full use of both arms.
4. Feeding the baby by breast or bottle during take off and landing can help with ears popping when adjusting. (If the baby has a cold it is especially annoying for them when adjusting to altitude so try to aspirate their nose before boarding)
5. When packing remember that wipes and diapers can be purchased at most locations so try not to over pack those items. Wipes can also be heavy so try not to pack to many in the checked baggage.
6. Keep your baby in the shade or wearing a wide brim hat when going to a sunny destination, babies can't wear sunscreen until 6 months old.
7. Try an overnight diaper on the flight so you don't have to make too many diaper changes. (An airplane bathroom is tiny and smelly and if there is turbulence it can be dangerous and messy.)
8. Make sure to bring Benadryl and Tylenol with you on the flight in case your baggage is lost.
9. Try to choose a seat in advance near the front so you can get off the plane and not have to wait for all the passengers to get off.
10. Boarding the plane early assures overhead space for carry on baggage and gives extra time to get organized and comfy for the flight.
Please feel free to add anything you have come to learn, we can all use tips and tricks to make parenting a little easier.
Thank you! : )
Here are some tips for traveling with an infant:
1. Most airlines allow strollers and car seats to be checked for free and many right at the gate.
2. Declare any milk for the baby when going through the security check. Check out the TSA website for more info.
3. A diaper bag is not included as a carry on, it may be a lot so a back pack is a good carry on bag so you have full use of both arms.
4. Feeding the baby by breast or bottle during take off and landing can help with ears popping when adjusting. (If the baby has a cold it is especially annoying for them when adjusting to altitude so try to aspirate their nose before boarding)
5. When packing remember that wipes and diapers can be purchased at most locations so try not to over pack those items. Wipes can also be heavy so try not to pack to many in the checked baggage.
6. Keep your baby in the shade or wearing a wide brim hat when going to a sunny destination, babies can't wear sunscreen until 6 months old.
7. Try an overnight diaper on the flight so you don't have to make too many diaper changes. (An airplane bathroom is tiny and smelly and if there is turbulence it can be dangerous and messy.)
8. Make sure to bring Benadryl and Tylenol with you on the flight in case your baggage is lost.
9. Try to choose a seat in advance near the front so you can get off the plane and not have to wait for all the passengers to get off.
10. Boarding the plane early assures overhead space for carry on baggage and gives extra time to get organized and comfy for the flight.
Please feel free to add anything you have come to learn, we can all use tips and tricks to make parenting a little easier.
Thank you! : )
Thursday, March 11, 2010
First Foods ... Get Ready for a Mess!
My son having his first bite of Squash (I used Earth's Best / First Squash
Make sure to only feed baby one type of food at a time to watch for any food allergies. Over the past weekend we introduced cereal and my son loved it. I think it was because it was mixed with my breast milk. Have fun with it, baby may not seem to like the food but after a few tries he may love it. I have been told to start with vegetables first so he can grow to like them before the sweet fruits although there are many different thoughts on what to feed baby first. A book I read called "Real Food for Mother and Baby"
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Turning Over - 11 Week Milestone
Here is a video of my son turning over at 11 weeks. He actually rolled over when he was 8 days old but then his body changed and he had to build up the strength to learn to do it again. After he rolled over he bumped his head and made the cutest sad puppy face with a curled bottom lip. He has been on his belly since he was a week old and it is important in the physical development of a baby to put them on their belly so they can get used to it and explore their surroundings. My son didn't like it at first but we just did it for 5 minutes a day or until he cried.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Baby it's cold outside... and I'm trapped in.
When the temperatures drop as they did today, new moms often get trapped inside their homes in fear of taking their young infants out where they can get sick in the cold. Not having a car, a city mom may feel trapped inside the four walls of the home when staying home to care of her infant and this feeling is heightened when the weather gets cold and the temperature drops into the twenties. There are only so many movies on lifetime and reality shows on MTV to watch and only so much internet surfing one can do when this happens. Being caught in the twilight zone of dirty diapers, spit up, clothes changing, that annoying music on the play gym, the 37th time to you watch Baby Einstein you become unsteady and like me have laughing fits with your baby who looks at you like your nuts but then hopefully laughs along with you. I constantly am looking at the clock waiting for daddy to come home so I can step outside and get some fresh air while I get the mail or take my "Zumba" class so I can exert some energy that the poopy apartment air has been stifling. I can't wait until spring when I can step outside more often and take my little one to the park or at least just a walk around the block to meet up with other moms in the neighborhood for some coffee and conversation.
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