Bat in the Plane!

Last August, a bat flew through a cabin, which contained 53 passengers, on a flight from Wisconsin. This had many concerned about possible a rabies infection. However, as soon as the plane landed the bat escaped so officials were unable to determine whether or not the bat was carrying the deadly virus. The government released the incident report giving the public a little more information about the situation. This unexpected incident has many researchers stating that health officials should be better prepared in the future to deal with incidents such as this.

The researchers stated, “Although a bat, or any wildlife, aboard a commercial airliner is unlikely, public health practitioners should be prepared to respond to potential exposures to rabies and other infectious agents, including during air travel.”

The flight was on its way to Atlanta from the Dane County Regional Airport when it was discovered that a bat had been trapped on the plane. The discovery had many ducking in horror and they were lucky enough to trap the bat in the lavatory. After the plane landed, passengers were unloaded off the aircraft and the maintenance crew was sent in to remove the bat. However, they were unable to capture the animal and it “flew out the cabin door, through the airport terminal, and was last seen exiting the building through automatic doors”. Once the crew searched the plane again and stated that there were no other bats, fifteen of the original passengers reboarded while the remaining made other travel arrangements.

The report stated, “Shortly after takeoff, a bat flew from the rear of the aircraft through the cabin several times before being trapped in the lavatory.”

Researchers stated that the “most common way for people to get rabies in the U.S. is through contact with a bat. Most bats don’t have rabies, but the ones that are seen during the day, when bats are not normally active, or are encountered where they are not usually seen (such as in economy-class seating) just might be rabid”.

To those who wish to travel the world and see amazing animals but are unable to because of a timeshare be sure to contact Transfer America.

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United Airlines Encounters Problems

Many United Airlines passengers have been having a hard time reaching a reservation agent on the phone. The airline has been experiencing numerous glitches after their computer switchover. Though the switchover was supposed to make things easier, things did not turn out as anticipated. Since then there have been many reports of unsatisfied passengers who had to wait on hold to fix ticketing problems as well as not being able to get through at all. In addition, balances on passenger’s accounts were odd and miscalculated.

The airline’s website stated and warned passengers that they were experiencing an ‘extraordinarily high call volumes’, which left some passengers waiting on hold for more than an hour. In an effort to right the situation, United Airlines stated that they “added 600 extra call center workers, and others were working overtime”. By Tuesday afternoon the average weight time dropped significantly.

Stephen Eskins, a passenger of United Airlines, had bought his ticket with his debit card last week. He was located in Bakersfield, CA and was flying back home to Charleston, WV. After receiving a call from his bank about being charged for the ticket twice he tried contacting United Airlines. Eskins had to call several times in order to sort it out this mess. When he reached a representative he was told he was talking to the wrong department while another worker insisted that he needed to talk to the refund department. The only reason Eskins was even flying with United was because he received a $150 gift certificate.

Eskins commented, “After I used that I was planning on not ever flying with them again, just because stuff like this happens.”

According to the airline, other problems persisted such as:

“— Every time the airline’s computer found discrepancies in passenger records, passengers were told to call in to fix it, flooding United’s call center.

— United workers had to fix those discrepancies one-by-one.

— High-level frequent fliers are supposed to be put on a list for automatic upgrades to better seats, generally about four days before their flight. When their upgrades didn’t come through, they started calling. The airline said most of the upgrade issues have been resolved.

— Many travelers weren’t seeing accurate miles posted to frequent-flier accounts for flights under 500 miles. United fixed that on Saturday, McCarthy said”

To those who are traveling, Transfer America advises to read consumer complaints before deciding which airline to take.

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Timeshare Resale Fraud

Timeshare Mega Media is a company that allegedly defrauded thousands of timeshare owners out of $2.7 million. This company consists of con artists who hope to cash out on desperate timeshare owners who are looking to sell their timeshares. This past Thursday, the couple who ran the business agreed to never work in the timeshare category again.

Lois Greisman, a man in charge of the Division of Marketing Practices at the FTC, stated, “There are tens of millions of dollars being bilked from people who are trying to unload their properties because they need the money.

“In many cases, defendants begin the call by representing that they have a buyer for the consumer’s timeshare unit and that the sale can be closed within a specified period of time, often 30 to 45 days. Defendants also typically tell consumers the price the purported buyer is willing to pay for the timeshare unit, which frequently is at or above the consumer’s asking price.”

The sellers would have to pay a processing fee of $1,996 to get started but were informed that they would be issued a refund after the transaction. Many desperate timeshare owners readily agree to the terms without reading the entire contract. Apparently, the company only agreed to ‘advertise’ the timeshare. They did not guarantee that it would be sold or rented which contradicts what the phone representative stated.

The FTC discovered that the victims of this scheme had just assumed the contract was a sales contract. On the other hand, those who questioned the contract were often given the run-around and were given false information.

In truth, the company never assisted in selling timeshares nor did they ever have any buyers waiting to purchase the unwanted timeshares. The government warns timeshare owners to be aware and cautious when dealing with a timeshare resale company. Also, work with a company who requires an upfront fee.

If you are interested in getting rid of your timeshare, Transfer America is a company who has already helped thousands of timeshare owners. Call a representative today and ask about their services.

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BBB Warning

Transfer America discovered an article on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warning consumers to be cautious of companies offering to sell their timeshares. At the moment, thousands of timeshare owners are being conned into purchasing a service that doesn’t exist. Con artists and scammers are aware of desperate timeshare owners trying to get rid of their timeshare and are using that to their advantage. Many businesses are now stating that they specialize in helping timeshare owners sell their timeshares. However, what many do not realize is that these companies are using deceptive tactics to take thousands of dollars from these cash-strapped owners.

For example, companies such as Paradise Vacation Properties, have an F rating with the BBB for tricking timeshare owners into giving them thousands of dollars. Companies such as these are convincing owners that they already have a buyer waiting to purchase their timeshare and all the seller has to do is pay the closing costs upfront. Once the company has the money, the owners never hear from the company again and they are still the owners of their timeshares.

One unfortunate couple ended up paying Paradise Vacation Properties $32,880.80 to help them sell their timeshare. The couple never heard from the company again and all their calls and emails were never answered. These couples along with thousands of others have become victims to timeshare resale fraud. By warning the public, BBB hopes to inform the public of these companies and as a result limit the number of victims.

Below are some tips on how to protect your family/ loved ones from falling victim to the thousands of scams in the world today.

-Never agree to anything over the phone. Make sure you always take the time to check out the company online.

-Ask the representative to email or fax you some written material so that you can review their proposition

-Make sure to ask the representative for references and phone numbers of past clients who have used their services

-Have the representative confirm that they are licensed to sell real estate and be sure to verify that information with the state licensing board

-Most importantly, make sure all conditions of the sale as well as any promises stated are provided in writing

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Judge Orders Psychiatric Exam

During a flight to Las Vegas, a JetBlue pilot, Clayton Osbon, had a meltdown that resulted in an emergency landing. Several passengers had to subdue the pilot to ensure that he would not spread anymore panic while the plane was in the air. Once the plane landed, the pilot was taken to the closest hospital surrounded by his family and loved ones. The judge recently ordered a psychiatric examination to determine if the pilot was sane during the incident and if he is able to stand trial.

The judge “has reason to believe Osbon may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to understand the case against him and assist in his defense”.

The U.S. District Court Judge, Mary Lou Robinson, was the judge who ordered Osbon to undergo a psychiatric examination. She also ordered him to be transferred to a medical facility for prisoners. The court hearing has been rescheduled until next Monday once the examination is complete.

Osbon, a 49-year-old pilot, has been charged with interfering with the flight crew on March 28 when he had an apparent meltdown. The plane had just left New York, when the co-pilot became concerned about the pilot’s sporadic behavior. According to the co-pilot, Osbon began to talk “about his church and needing to focus”. Obson then proceeded to ask the co-pilot to “take the controls and to work the radio, and began talking about religion, making statements that were incoherent”.

Osbon even went as far as stating that they ‘were not going to Vegas’ and that ‘things just don’t matter’. When Osbon decided to leave the cockpit and use the lavatory, the co-pilot invited an off-duty captain into the cockpit and locked Obson out. The co-pilot then ordered that Obson be restrained.

Due to the quick thinking of the co-pilot the incident did not get out of hand. The pilot was restrained successfully and they were able to do an emergency landing in Amarillo. Transfer America is glad that the incident was handled correctly and hopes that the passengers arrived at their destination safely.

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One Dollar Timeshares

Timeshares are a huge liability and has been hated by consumers for over a decade. Those who were drawn in by the once in a lifetime deal soon began to regret their decision. A timeshare is a life-long commitment. Not only will you as the purchaser have to suffer but once you pass it will be given to your heirs. One man, David Suder, has been unable to sell his parent’s ocean-front timeshare. Within the past year, he was so fed up that he tried to give it away for free. However, no one in this day and age is willing to inherit such a money-sucking leech.

Suder’s parents had purchased the timeshare for $8,000 ten years ago. The timeshare is located in Orange County, CA. However, after his father passed away, his eighty-one-year-old mother can no longer pay the monthly maintenance fees. Suder is now offering this timeshare for free and he hopes that someone will accept responsibility for it before his mother passes away.

At this time timeshares remain in free fall while real estate and vacation real estate are slowly recovering. Postings have doubled compared to the previous year, almost by 20%. Even during the better times timeshares have never been an asset. Almost all timeshare owners who have sold their timeshares never saw a return on their investment. Within the past year “the number of owners giving their timeshares away for $1 – or less – has doubled”. Many timeshare owners have realized what a money pit timeshares are and are desperately seeking ways to get rid of it.

Brian Rogers from Timeshare User Group commented, “There’s never been a worst time to try to sell a timeshare.”

Timeshares are usually found in resorts and they allow a company to sell the right to use the property to multiple buyers. These timeshares are usually in the form of a hotel room or condominium. These sellers persuade purchasers into believing that the purchase price of the timeshare will be significantly lower compared to the amount they would be spending on future trips. However, since the recession, many timeshares owners had to cut back on travel and other could no longer afford their timeshare after losing their job. Almost 48% of timeshare owners are behind on their yearly or monthly maintenance fees. To make up the difference, resorts have started increasing maintenance fees for the other owners. This cycle will continue to repeat until a timeshare owner sells or gives away their timeshare.

Therefore, Transfer America advises all consumers to never purchase a timeshare unless they are willing to pay the maintenance fees. To those who are already trapped, Transfer America is a company that has helped thousands of timeshare owners escape from their contract. Call a representative today and see how their services can help you.

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AirTran’s New ‘Customer of Size’ Policy

AirTran airlines has adopted a new ‘customer of size’ policy that went into effect on March 1st. This new policy was adopted from Southwest airlines and it states that air traveling passengers will be required to purchase an additional seat if they are encroaching “on an adjacent seat and/or is unable to sit in a single seat with the armrest lowered”.

The Southwest policy states, “Customers who encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat(s) should proactively book the needed number of seats prior to travel. The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats and measures 17 inches in width.” This is a little different from AirTran because their seats are 18 inches in width.

In the past, AirTran did not have a policy for passengers-of-size but gave authority to the staff and crew members to work out the seatmate-of-size cases. They would be given the responsibility to move the passenger to a different seat depending on the case.

The CEO of FareCompare.com, Rick Seaney, commented, “Did air travelers who are large pick AirTran over Southwest because AirTran didn’t have such a strict policy? I think they looked at the ticket price. AirTran is basically becoming Southwest. The two airlines are merging their boarding process, their fleets, their award program and their attitude. So this is just a normal course of business.”

George Hobica, president of AirFareWatchdog.com, agreed and stated, “It’s probably a good thing for the comfort of all. But I wonder if [the policy] is observed more in the breach than the practice. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen passengers that are way too big to fit in one seat getting a free pass.”

To those who wish to see the world but are unable to because of a timeshare, contact Transfer America and see how they can help you.

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