Poll: Travel packages charging for a symbol of aloha

October 16th, 2008

After our last trip with Pleasant Holidays, we were sent a survey about how our trip went and it included a comments section. I commented on how disappointed we were that we did not get our traditional lei greeting upon landing and when we called them we were told this was now an “option” and we had to pay for it if we wanted it. I got a note back from the company saying the following:

A short while ago, we changed one of the features of the on-line booking engine to have the flower lei greeting an optional selection rather than having it automatically included with each booking. Management felt that our passengers (many of whom are repeat travelers) should have the choice of choosing the flower lei greeting. Where as, before it was not an option and was part of the total cost.

We regret to inform you that when your booking was made, the flower lei greeting was not selected. We are truly sorry for the disappointment you experienced when you discovered the flower lei greeting was not part of your package.

Sure it was our fault that we didn’t check the lei greeting under the “extras” section since it’s a section we’ve never had to use before so I’ve always skipped over it. I’ve booked with them and priced out so many trips for clients that I never had to. The letter went on to basically say thanks for responding about your “disenchantment” but sorry about your luck. I’m sorry but even if you were charging me for the lei greeting in the cost before, by not listing it out on my itinerary I never knew I was paying for it. Therefore, in my eyes, when you make it an “option” it seems like you are now charging me for something I didn’t pay for and it feels like one more fee I’m getting charged on top of everything else I’m being nickeled and dimed on. (Especially when I’m paying them thousands of dollars and they can’t throw in $20 for 2 leis??)

So what do you think? In this economy where we are paying for fuel surcharges, luggage, overweight luggage and meals on the plane…all things that were “all inclusive” not even 5 years ago…does making a lei greeting an option make you feel like you’re being nickeled and dimed or would you rather have it included and get lei’d off the plane just like the old PanAm Clipper plane days? Please comment below.