Yep...
Well, years ago, Carl Icahn with TWA set up a deal with prison inmates doing the reservations. People would call the TWA reservations number, and phones would ring at this particular prison. Icahn had reservation computers set up, so he had somewhat of a travel agency set up at the prison.
The problem occurred when the prisoners would take the credit card information to sell the seat. The prisoners would use these numbers for sex hotlines, the purchase of other things, etc. It was a great deal for Icahn (cheap labor) and for the prisoners (trying to 'work their way back into society'). Unfortunately, the customer lost out.
(Big surprise...when will these airline execs figure out that the customer must be take care of FIRST...then, profits will follow!)
Recently, USAirways began using ex-cons at the Phildelphia International Airport (their big hub). They were used as bag smashers. Passengers could always spot them, because they all wore "Do Rags" on their heads.
Here, the problem surfaced of passenger bags being pilfered. In some cases, things of value were taken from the bags, the bags closed back up, and sent on their way. In some cases, the bags were opened, things of value were stolen, and the bags were then sent to the dumpster. (Many bags were found down the road...dumped in a ditch.) And, still, some bags were opened, valuables stolen, then the bag smasher would urinate in the bag, close it up, and send it on its way. I read all this is the newspaper...and the company claims they have video tapes of the guys peeing in the bags.
Don't know for sure, but I think it's safe to assume that the execs gave themselves a pat on the back and a big bonus for such brilliant executive decisions.
Again, the customer loses out. (Big surprise.)
Ah, this business...Ya gotta love it!!!!
PantLoad