Complaint Review: Direct Air

Direct Air's slogan is "When Time Matters, Fly Direct."  Well, time did matter, and they failed miserably.  There is no online check in, so all passengers must check in at the counter.  We were left standing in line for over a half hour waiting to check in at Punta Gorda, FL, due to manifest problems. 

Then we did not board until over an hour past the time we were supposed to leave, due to crew problems.  Next, we did not have a direct flight, but had to stop in Sanford to switch pilots, further delaying the flight.  An airline which has been in business for a while should be having neither manifest nor crew problems of this sort.  Their only concession to the passengers?  Comping us a little cup of soda.  Really?  That is not a satisfactory response to delaying passengers over 3 hours.

To cap it all off, we were stuck on the tarmac at Plattsburgh, NY for a half hour before we could taxi to the gate.  We were not allowed to stand up or stretch while the plane was not moving, and the flight attendants chastised anyone who tried over the intercom for everyone to hear. 

This is the first I flew Direct Air, and it was the last.  I found the whole situation incredibly unprofessional. The airline's response to comp a little cup of soda was unsatisfactory and insulting.  I have told all my friends, family, and coworkers to never fly Direct Air if they want to get where they're going on time.