Using debit / credit cards in flight

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RooFlyer

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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).
 
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.
 
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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?
 
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.
 
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