[Resolved]  Jet Airways — Check in

Address:

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

I was browsing through the website to understand where I can possibly address a complaint to Jet Airways. Whilst I was surprised to see there was nothing on their website I wasn't surprised to see so many complaints against Jet.
I was to board a Hyderabad - Vishakapattnam flight 9W2771 on Sunday - 9th October 2011. Am aware of the reporting time and thus started from my place at 5.30am for a 7.10am flight. Roughly, in the mornings, it would take about 30 - 35 mins to reach the airport from my place (Begumpet. old airport). Quarterway along the long bridge connecting to the airport, my scorpio (AP 03 AC 456) broke down and for people who stay in Hyderabad know that on the bridge, you do not find normal traffic where you would hire another vehicle.
I called up city cabs at 5.48am to see if they can send a cab to pick me up from the middle of the road/bridge and as promised I had a cab at circa 6.05am. I requested the driver to be fast as I knew was late - I had to reach the airport as could not afford to miss this flight. My 36 weeks pregnant wife who was due to go in labor anytime was waiting for me at Vizag. "Just dial" helped me with the Jetairways number and my call was to see if I could telecheckin. Got connected to a Jet representative who did a telecheckin for me at 6.33am by this time I was done with the long bridge. I was allocated seat ' 8D '. Finally, I made it to the counter at 6.38am, I rushed to the representative but she would not allow me to check in stating that I am delayed and I should have been here at least 45 mins before departure. I explained the entire situation to the staff and requested to speak to a supervisor. The check in supervisor/manager was also rude and was not ready to understand the delay of my arrival at the airport. I requested it was important for me to reach Vizag owing to my wife's health - BUT no joy! When I spoke to her about the telecheckin, was told that per policy, the telecheckin was done only 45 mins before. How on earth did someone give me a seat number ' 8 D' as the call was made 30 mins before my scheduled departure.
I was asked to speak to ticketing to cancel my ticket and look for another flight. I chose the second earliest at 9.35am by Spicejet - SG1073. Imagine this? This flight initially was delayed for an hour and later for another hour to only start at 11.45am. The message about the delay of the flight was only sent at 9.03am. By this time, I would presume most passengers would have already been at the airport or in some form or other would have left their homes. So, what is the point of intimating the passengers that late in the hour and if the passengers are requested to understand the "unforeseen" circumstances, why does the airline not understand the same for the passengers.

Regards,
Bharat Lalwani
bharat.x.[protected]@us.hsbc.com