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Another hilarious airline complaint letter. This time it's the food
Back in June 2007, Justin wrote a post about a hand-written complaint letter to Continental Airlines. The letter included illustrations that were as hilarious as the text. There is a new airline complaint letter that is being touted as the funniest ever. This time the airline is Virgin Atlantic and the complaint is food--or what the airline tried to pass off as food on a flight from Mumbai to Heathrow.
The letter sent to airline owner Sir Richard Branson by a passenger is a tongue- in-cheek response to the passenger's reactions to each dish on his tray--nothing he recognized. It all started when he couldn't tell which item was the dessert and which was a main course. Each food complaint is accompanied by a photo.
"Look at this, Richard. Just look at it." Is the description under the first photo of two custard like dishes. Utterly flummoxed by those two choices that looked like sponge shafts that moved every so often, the letter writer proceeded to the next item--also unrecognizable.
The third item, the one covered in foil that he opened with anticipation, similar to what one might feel opening a Christmas present, was worse. He likened it to finding his "hamster in the box and it's not breathing." That gem is what's in the photo. Turns out the yellow stuff was gobs of mustard.
Attempting to watch the movie was as bad as trying to find something edible on his tray. The screen was grainy which made it difficult to see who was in the movie. The passenger thought, perhaps, Ray Liotta?
If you've ever had a flight that has left you exhausted, depressed, feeling like a sailboat that has lost its wind, you'll certainly recognize the feelings expressed here. Yes, indeed. This is a funny, funny letter. Make sure you click through the photo gallery for the full effect.
As a note, the food, according to Sir Richard Branson who supposedly replied, would have made the Indian passengers happy. [Telegraph.co.uk]
Filed under: Food and Drink, Photos, Stories, Airlines, Airline Reviews
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul Charles Jan 27th 2009 5:54PM
Hi Gadling,
We take all customer complaints seriously and Richard phones several of our customers in response. We can only learn from letters showing where we've made a mistake. Believe me, we're not proud of flights where a customer may not like the food. In this case, it was the Mumbai-London service which offers a choice of Indian or Western style food. Many of our Mumbai-based customers love the local style we serve. In the meantime, while we investigate the complaint, we've invited our frequent flyer to visit our catering base so that he can select the next range of meals and wines we serve on board, and add his personal touch.
Paul Charles
Director of Communications
Virgin Atlantic
ron riggio Jan 22nd 2011 3:55PM
I had a recent trip that was characterized by grumpy and non-service-oriented airline personnel. I discussed the situation and possible causes in my blog here:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201101/flying-the-grouchy-skies-deteriorating-organizational-culture-us
Robert Oliver Nov 18th 2011 1:05PM
The airlines do try hard to please customers, but you must be persistent with your complaint.
Using a good complaint letter with all the details is a good place to start
http://www.caribbean-vacation-for-less.com/Airline-complaint-letter.html