A close friend of mine died unexpectedly not long after the Ottawa sailed. The ship permitted me to fly home, but only after some drills. It was planned for Monday, but if there were any difficulties we could try again on Tuesday - I couldn't book my tickets until we were successful. That meant I couldn't book my tickets until Monday afternoon, for Monday evening or maybe Tuesday. Things went well so I went to book my tickets online. Well... Expedia wouldn't let me book tickets for the same day that late in the day. Air Canada doesn't know where Lihue or Kauai is and West Jet gave me a pretty light blue screen and nothing more. So I had to get the ship's office work their magic. Well.... My flight was just under $2000, and I had to leave before my e-ticket showed up.
So I head to the airport. I attempt the easy check in (it's the only choice if you fly United) but am told (by the computer display) to pick up the phone. The guy on the other end seems satisfied that I don't have an e-ticket and am told to go to the regular check-in. There are staff there (because the easy check-in isn't easy) who try to help me. And help me. And help me. Easy check-in is the only option. They try it and find out I don't have an e-ticket. Maybe they didn't hear me when I said that. They want my paper ticket, but there's no way I have one of those. The line-up is completely gone now - just me and the three attendants. One of the attendants goes in the back and phones United herself. And is put on hold - forever. A couple with two wee babies shows up, but they can't get checked in until they return their rental car. The staff told me that they probably wouldn't make the flight, but I still would. Uh huh. Sure. 8:55. The family come back, it didn't take them too long, and then they were gone too. I ask if it would be easier if I cancelled my ticket and bought a new one. They agree and try to get me a new one. The best they can do is the next night. I tell...
[ Continued ]
March 2007
February 2007