If you’ve been grounded by an obscure or confusing airline policy, you’re not alone.

Here’s a rather complicated, unresolved complaint from a consumer:

Granddaughter, 13 years old, wanted to attend a supervised soccer event in the Phoenix area. Idaho grandmother bought a round-trip ticket for granddaughter from Spokane to Phoenix and back to Spokane. In order to save money, the two legs of the flight were on different carriers — first leg from Spokane to Phoenix on Alaska Airlines. The second leg was from Phoenix back to Spokane on American Airlines.

All went well until the 13-year-old showed up at the American Airlines gate to board for her trip back to Spokane. She was told that under American Airlines’ policies, she could only travel without adult supervision if she was 14 years old. Turns out, Alaska Airlines’ policy says 13 years and American Airlines’ policy says 14 years old. Granddaughter is now stranded in Phoenix airport.

According to grandmother, American was not at all helpful. American informed the 13-year-old that she would be required to pay an additional $150 to board the American flight to Spokane. When she offered to pay with her debit card, American refused payment. The situation was finally resolved when a friend of grandmother, living in Phoenix, drove to the airport and paid the $150 fee.

American Airlines refuses to comment on or discuss the complaint. They have been sent numerous emails. In my opinion, they should reimburse the $150 and apologize for their inconsistent, uncaring behavior in this matter.

Here is the text, quoted in part, from the American Airlines policy concerning unaccompanied minor travel:

“We won’t accept unaccompanied minors when their itineraries include: A connection to/from another airline… however (8 to 14 year olds) Can travel on any nonstop or direct flight, or any connecting flight through …Phoenix, AZ (PHX).”

https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/unaccompanied-minors.jsp

Confusing at best. Luckily, the 13-year-old got on the plane and arrived safely in Spokane. Lesson: Be sure you understand the airline rules before purchasing a ticket, especially online.

Consumer Tip: Companies that offer quick oil changes typically ranging from $29 to $39. Beware of oil upgrades, A/C recharge, brake service — rear pads but also calipers and front pads, radiator power purge, automatic transmission service, expensive synthetic oils, new fuel filter and/or fuel system cleaning, radiator and transmission flushes, rear differential fluid replacement, new air filter. These up-charges can quickly escalate your bill to hundreds of dollars.

How do you know if the person working under your hood is suggesting only needed repairs or simply out to make a quick buck? If the charges start adding up to way more than the advertised cost of the oil change, or if the attendant attempts to alarm you, stop and get a second opinion. Insist on receiving a complete copy of all proposed work and the test results that show the work is necessary. Also get a second opinion for expensive, out-of-the-ordinary work. Ninety-nine percent of all local quick oil change companies are honest and ethical. Just be careful out there!

I have many more interesting cases that I’m working on as The CDA Press Consumer Guy. Call me, (208) 449-7222, email me CDAPressConsumerGuy

@gmail.com or fax me at 866.362.9266. Also include your full name and a phone number. I am available to speak about consumerism to schools, and local and civic groups.

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Bill Brooks is the CDA Press Consumer Guy. He is an active Associate Real Estate Broker for Tomlinson-Sotheby’s International Realty in Coeur d’Alene.