How I Used AI to Write a Complaint Letter to an Airline (and Why You Should Too)

If you’ve ever had a frustrating travel experience—flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage—you know the mix of emotions that follows. You want to voice your concerns, but when you finally sit down to write the complaint letter, it’s easy to either come across too harsh or not persuasive enough.

That’s where AI came in for me.

The Challenge of Writing a Strong Complaint Letter

Airlines receive thousands of complaints every year. To stand out, your letter needs to strike the right balance: professional but firm, detailed but concise, empathetic but uncompromising. That’s a tricky line to walk—especially if you’re drafting it while still fuming from a disrupted trip.

How AI Helped Me

Instead of staring at a blank page, I used AI to structure my thoughts. I fed in the key details of my trip—dates, flight numbers, the problem I encountered, and how it impacted me. The AI generated a polished draft that was:

• Clear in describing what went wrong

• Professional in tone (without being robotic)

• Persuasive in requesting compensation

It saved me time, helped me cool down emotionally, and made sure my case came across effectively.

The Results

Within a week, I received a personal response from the airline with both an apology and a goodwill gesture in the form of travel credits. I can’t guarantee AI will magically unlock compensation every time, but I firmly believe that presenting a well-crafted, professional letter gives you a much better shot.

Tips for Using AI to Write Your Own Complaint Letter

• Provide specifics: Include flight numbers, dates, and exact issues so the AI can weave in concrete details.

• Set the tone: Ask for “polite but firm” or “professional and persuasive” to keep the letter balanced.

• Review and personalize: Always edit the AI’s draft to make sure it reflects your voice and experience.

• Keep it concise: Airlines don’t need your life story—they want the facts and the impact.

Final Thought

AI isn’t about replacing your voice—it’s about enhancing it. By using it as a writing partner, you can turn a stressful travel experience into a clear, compelling message that gets results. Next time you’re stranded at an airport or waiting endlessly for a missing bag, consider letting AI help you craft the letter you wish you had the energy to write.