It's Working

[markprob]

I was on a Continental flight from Panama to Houston on Sept. 7 when the flight got diverted to New Orleans because of weather in Houston. We were supposed to get fuel and then wait for the call to head on in to Houston but, the plane developed a mechanical problem and was declared 'broken' and unable to fly.

By now we have been sitting on the tarmac for 2 hours. The pilot informed us he was trying to get us off the aircraft but we were international passengers and New orleans airport doesn't have Customs or Immigration to accept us. Because of all the hard work that FlyersRights have accomplished i.e. 3 hour tarmac rule, we were allowed off the aircraft into the basement of the new Orleans airport, a far better option than waiting the 2 hours for our replacement plane.

I just want to express my gratitude to all the hard working men and women of FlyersRights for the work they've done. It is getting better with your efforts.

Mark Probstfeld
Tucson, AZ

[motorguy]

What happened then? How did you clear immigration and customs? Did they find another airplane? Or did you have to ride a bus from New Orleans to Houston?

[GretaJ]

You would think that they would divert international flights to international airports so something like this doesn't happen. I'm sure the New Orleans Airport basement is lovely but it would have been a little better if you were allowed to unboard in an international gate where you could eat and shop and relax in the terminal. I know Dallas isn't far or Atlanta or maybe even Tampa.