Local Press: The poor citizen!
Published: Mar 3, 2011 23:41 Updated: Mar 3, 2011 23:41
THE national carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines has started imposing cancellation fees of SR50 and SR250 on anyone who dares to change his or her reservation on domestic and international flights respectively. You cannot escape the fine even if your reservation is months away.
You cannot delay your travel or bring it closer for any reason without paying the fine. May Allah take the consumer in our country under His mercy. Fees and taxes are burdening the consumer without anyone there to rescue him.
The poor passenger on Saudia may miss his hospital appointment for which he has been waiting for months because of a flight delay. His health condition may deteriorate and he will have to incur extra costs. He will not even be compensated by Saudia staff by means of a smile or a word of apology.
The poor passenger will carry his bag and go to the Saudia desk with his confirmed booking but he will be told by the grim-faced Saudia employee that the doors of the aircraft were closed because of the principle of “first come, first serve” or the other principle of “wasta”.
The passenger may lose his luggage and when he asks he will be told to come the next day. He is allowed to take one briefcase regardless of whether he is traveling domestically or to an international destination. For any excess baggage he will have to pay.
The rights of citizens are lost in many government organizations. Even the final verdicts of the Court of Appeals will be thrown into his face if they are to his favor. Please do not ask me here about the role of the Shoura Council because it is preoccupied with issues that are not of concern to the citizen.
Do not also look to human rights organizations because their members are busy following issues regarding housemaids and looking to have pictures of themselves taken by media personnel.
The question I want to ask is whether the citizen has become the scapegoat of government organizations that consider them easy prey, as no questions will be asked.
(aaljamili@yahoo.com)
Comments
DENTON
Mar 4, 2011 19:30
Report abuseMOHAMMAD ALI
Mar 4, 2011 19:36
Report abuseDIYAH
Mar 4, 2011 19:47
Report abusewell-written ! *thumbs up*
RIKKI
Mar 4, 2011 20:10
Report abuseABID IMAM
Mar 4, 2011 20:26
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