Over the past few years it has become apparent that, if one has a loud enough voice and a big enough audience — not to mention a good sense of humor — social media can serve as a great platform for change. And while that often means political or social change, it can also mean — as famous blogger Heather Armstrong, aka Dooce, has proven [1] — the ability to get a major company to listen to your complaints.
Fed up with EgyptAir's service, English-Egyptian writer Amy Mowafi [2] took to Twitter early Wednesday morning to gripe about her experience [3] booking with the airline:
It has LITERALLY taken me an HOUR to bloody book my ticket @flyegyptair [4] on the phone
#FML [5]
Adding a hashtag, Mowafi encouraged followers to tweet their own complaints [6] about the airline:
To all those who've been tortured by @flyegyptair [4] please join me in my plight to get them to answer and explain themselves
#DearEgyptAir [7]
Many quickly followed suit. Waleed Mowafi (@WallyMow) added [8]:
#DearEgyptAir [7] Sometimes when i'm at home I rub sandpaper on my arms because i miss the feel of the Egypt Air blankets @flyegyptair [4]
Mai Eldib (@14inchHEELS) complained [9]:
#DearEgyptAir [7] would it be possible for me to once fly without having pilots smoking in the cockpit @AmyMowafi [10]
@Mayounah had a more pressing concern [11]:
#DearEgyptAir [7] plz don't roll your eyes at me when I complain water is dripping from your ac on board…I'm pretty sure it is an issue
Many were focused on the culinary “delights” offered by the airline. @ShadenFawaz said of the cake:
#DearEgyptAir [7] have you tried eating that “cake” that you serve!? Well it's not food in case you haven't noticed
@LailaShentenawi quipped [12]:
#DearEgyptAir [7] U make sure no one boards with a nail file! Yet u ignore that if someone got hit with the bread u serve he/she could die!
Waleed Mowafi mocked [13]:
#DearEgyptAir [7] I think you guys are pushing culinary boundaries by creating a fish, chicken & meat dish that all taste the same @flyegyptair [4]
@MarwaAyad was a little more straightforward [14]:
#DearEgyptAir [15] Who prepares and cooks those meals? Seriously who?