It Can Happen to Anyone...Even a Travel Agent

... (Subtitled "Attitude is Everything" )

Welcome to our first posting in our "Live from the Star Princess" series! This was not the blog post I anticipated writing, nor the time frame in which I thought I'd be making my first post in this series, but the best laid plans, even of travel agents themselves, aren't always what come to pass.

Left Denver this morning and all was well, albeit slightly delayed, on the first leg of our travel to Buenos Aires. No sign anywhere at security about the new lithium battery rules - they haven't updated the sign which shows what must be removed from your bag for separate screening. I, and my 4 camera-sized lithium batteries, sailed through with no sign of problem.

Arrived safely in DC and camped myself out in the United Red Carpet Club to wait out the layover. Always when having to connect flights in winter months, I take possible weather delays into consideration when selecting flights, and I had given myself an extra long layover in case of ice storm. No storm (of the weather variety) in the area, so had an extended layover.

After thinking that I needed to write a blog about the advantages of airline club management, I was headed out of the club to grab some dinner when I glanced over at the departure status board and saw the most dreaded word in a traveler's vocabulary associated with my flight... CANCELLED.

Fortunately, the customer service representative's desk was right in front of me, so went up to her, got myself rebooked to tomorrow night (even managed to get booked in an airfare code which allowed me to upgrade on points), and a hotel voucher for the night.

In trying to retrieve the luggage for the night (not possible as it had already been containerized and sealed), learned from the truly wonderful baggage coordinator (supervisor) for United that this isn't uncommon on the S. America flights, be they to Buenos Aires, Santiago or Rio. So if flying to S. America, at least on United (and I fear on other airlines as well), be forewarned that a single day pre-cruise may not be sufficient to guarantee your safe arrival. Since they are such wonderful destinations, just go ahead and plan on multiple days pre-cruise to be safe!

Why did I subtitle this entry "Attitude is Everything"? Because all along the way, I was treated in a more favorable manner because I didn't rant, rave, or otherwise abuse the agents. It's not their fault, there's nothing I or they could do to change the situation, all that could be done was minimize the impacts and take it in stride. I know for a fact that because I was smiling and pleasant, they went out of their way to take care of me and make sure my pain was minimized. Take this to heart. These people didn't know I'm a travel agent. I was just a regular traveler. But when you treat these people who are often abused all day long by passengers with respect and are pleasant and friendly (honestly so, not faked), they go out of their way to help you if at all possible.

Oh yes, I did have to do all those things you would have to do in the same circumstance (though I didn't have the advantage of an agent to call - boy would that have been nice!). I called my trip insurer to notify them of the trip delay to document the issue and get them involved. Had I needed assistance in rebooking my flights, they were there as well - may still have to use them to rebook my intra-Argentine flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls as I arrive too late to catch that flight. Contacted the land tour operator in Argentina to try to reschedule the flights for Iguazu Falls. Changed hotel reservations. Etc., etc., etc. See? It happens to all of us. Having trip insurance isn't just something I recommend - I purchase it myself. And I'm thankful I do, so that if plans have to be cancelled, such as Iguazu Falls, or changed for a fee, it's covered. I don't have to worry at all. As I've editorialized for years in my newsletters, trip insurance isn't just for trip cancellation.

So it's almost time for sleep in the airport Hilton, followed by a very long day tomorrow awaiting my flight. And more time in the airline club. Expect to see tomorrow's post to be on the value of airline club membership - even if you typically only fly domestic (but do so a few times a year.)

Hopefully the next "Live From" post will find me in Argentina somewhere, be it Buenos Aires or Iguazu Falls!