Using debit / credit cards in flight

[RooFlyer]

Had an interesting experience on several Alaskan flights yesterday. I've been running down my Qantas Cash US$ balance with a view to getting rid of it, keeping careful tally as I went below $100. I made a purchase on the ground and some food & bev purchases in the air, calculating that I should have about $10 or so left.

When I checked the balance that evening, I found that the balance was zero. The ground charge had gone through twice, so the in-flight charges would have been declined (no funds) if it was actively linked to the system. But in the air of course its not (or not that I can see).

That night (local), I called Qantas Cash (with their wretched, interminable menu structure) and asked what would happen - response was, yes the charges had been declined (obviously submitted in the intervening period), nothing to be done (and 3 days of course to re-charge the card :evil: ).

So I called Alaskan this morning, with the purchase chits and transaction ref numbers, offering a valid card to make the payments. Had to consult a supervisor, then the reply was not to worry, regard as complimentary, as they can't charge retrospectively.

OK, so my conscious is clear, but I wonder how often this happens in general, sometimes perhaps deliberately? I imagine not all airlines would be so forgiving; I mention the outcome here because I know AFFers would do the same as me and not try to exploit the system (at least when on Alaskan).

 

[JohnK]

Would a debit card have your name on it?

I would not risk giving myself a bad name for the sake of saving a few dollars.

Lady in 4F got a free wine today. Said I would like a wine but didn't look like she wanted to pay for it. FA said that would be $6 but I will come back and collect money later. But I may forget to come back. And she didn't come back.

 

[RooFlyer]

I reckon my name would have been captured in the initial swipe of the debit card on board, but I'm not understanding what you mean about 'risk giving (myself) a bad name for saving a few dollars', sorry.

I didn't know the debit card was short of funds when I went to use it (caused by a merchant putting a prior transaction through twice). As soon as the call centre was open the next day, I called, IDed the transactions from the chits and offered a valid card. Who's trying to save a few dollars?

 

[JohnK]

I reckon my name would have been captured in the initial swipe of the debit card on board, but I'm not understanding what you mean about 'risk giving (myself) a bad name for saving a few dollars', sorry.

That was in response to this statement

OK, so my conscious is clear, but I wonder how often this happens in general, sometimes perhaps deliberately? I imagine not all airlines would be so forgiving; I mention the outcome here because I know AFFers would do the same as me and not try to exploit the system (at least when on Alaskan).

that people may handover debit cards without balance or credit cards that will be declined.