You are also correct. I mean think about it. A person comes up and lights into you and says "I'm NEVER going to fly this airline again". What incentive do you have to do them a favor? It's not like your efforts will result in more business based on their statement.
LOL! Exactly. I used to diffuse that statement right away and say, ok, that's your perogative. I tried to help them calmly and wouldnt give in to a half baked threat. They always came back anyway. 🙂
It amazes me how easy it is to win a G/A over to your side. I often use, "Hi! I'm having a bad travel day, will you see if you can help me?" If the G/A is female the "Mother" Instinct takes over. If it's a male, then the , "I'll show ya how it's done pilgrim" sorta John Wayne personality takes over.
It's all psychology. All you try to do is stack the odds in your favor. The above works so well because you tap into man's basic desire to help one another. Then throw in a little humor and say "well if we can't find a way out today I can be home in time for Oprah" They always laugh but now the challenge has been thrown down and if there is a way to get there you will get there.
I used a line all the time when dealing with a reroute. Where's there a will, there's a way. I have the will and I WILL find a way. I also used the word WE a lot to let them know, I was in this whole mess with them. Also, very important to give the passenger options, even if there is really only one good one. People object mostly to the sense of loosing control, ESPECIALLY a business person.
Being nice pays too, I've gotten re-routes from G/A's and they put me in F on another carrier. I never asked, all I did was be halfway nice to them.