Complaint Review: Allegiant Air - Sioux Falls South Dakota

May 7, 2010.  My friend and I were going to Las Vegas for a 3 day weekend.  When we got to the Allegiant Air check in desk at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, nobody was there.  Apparently, after we purchased our tickets, a new policy went into effect and the check in desk would close 45 minutes prior to take off.  Somebody typed a memo, but it was posted at waist level when one is standing at the desk.  Brilliant! 

After several minutes we asked workers from the other desk and they informed us of the policy.  My friend had a carry on, so she went up to the gate and I asked her to let them know I was waiting.  In the meantime, the Allegiant manager, Sondra, came to the desk to tell me to go away, because of the new policy.  I told her nobody informed us and she refused to help me. 

In the time she gloated and was rude to me, she could have checked me in and I pointed this out.  She told me that wasn’t going to happen.  She did not have a name tag and I asked her name.  She told me:  “ I will tell you later”.  I told her that in this day and age, it wasn’t wise to have a check in desk unattended before boarding as anybody could go behind the desk and do as they please with luggage.

She told me to leave, because she would not help me and I would not be flying out that day and she wouldn’t help me get on another flight.

As I sat, waiting for my ride, a security officer said he had overheard and told me to try going through security with my suitcase and then it would be up to the stewardess to stow my luggage.

I went through security TWICE and gave up expensive Dolce and Gabbana perfume to go with my friend.  She was so happy to see me and the stewardess just asked that I wait until everybody else boarded to see about my suitcase.  However, Sondra spotted me and asked how I got up there.  I told her a nice security officer saw everything and suggested I go through.  She was very upset and said:  “Oh no you don’t!”  She called security and told them I made threats down at the front desk.  I told him what I had said and he replied:  “Can’t get your story straight”.   Really?  And he knows the real story?

He wouldn’t let me stop to call for a ride and told me to keep walking as he escorted me out, everybody looking at me like a terrorist.  By the way, a lot of people know me in Sioux Falls and this was embarrassing!

My ride came and suggested I talk to the airport manager.  When I went to his office, Sondra, the security guard and Jill, the manager’s secretary were talking about me. When I asked for the manager, Jill replied in a sing songy voice:  “He is busy ALL DAY LONG”.  I got her name.

I went downstairs and some other workers who don’t respect Sondra, gave me her name.  My friend texted me to tell me Sondra bragged to the passengers that it was such a power trip and a rush for her to kick me out and hugged somebody’s teenage boy she was so happy with herself.

I left.  I tried to call the manager several times after, but Jill wouldn’t put me through. I bought another ticket for the next day. I put on a business suit, wore my hair up and wore my glasses to look business like and so I wouldn’t be recognized by Sondra.

Right before boarding she went on the intercom and said:  “Sit down and shut up because I am only going to say this once.”  I heard comments from other passengers, who felt she was out of line.

The staff on the plane heard me tell somebody of my experience and apologized for the way I was treated.  I looked out the window.  Fuel was pouring all over the tarmac out of the plane!!!!   I pointed this out and our flight was delayed to pour a powder on the fuel.  Apparently somebody was over filling the plane, wasting fuel.  Wow!!!  Can it get any better?!

For a couple months, Jill would not put me through to the Airport manager. I have picked up friends from Allegiant Air flights, usually 1 -1.5 hours late.

I now prefer to take two legs to get to Las Vegas and it works out to be the same time, because Allegiant is usually late.  Also , after fees and taxes, it’s not a bargain and I refuse to pay to support Miss Sondra!