My dad was on his way out to visit, trying to catch a flight out of LAX. He was running late, and Delta wouldn't let him on even though the flight didn't take off for another half hour. He was frantic (doesn't deal well with stress) and waiting in a line for Delta's service agent who reassigns flights. The line was at least 40 minutes long, but the last flight that day left in an hour.
He and my mom were calling back and forth, stressing and not sure what to do. They were checking ticketing websites, but didn't want to pay $400 for the last minute ticket. They also didn't want to just lose the money invested in the flight he missed. How could he get to the front of the line? How many seats were left on that flight? How many people in front of him in line wanted the same limited seats on that flight?
He and my mom were calling back and forth, stressing and not sure what to do. They were checking ticketing websites, but didn't want to pay $400 for the last minute ticket. They also didn't want to just lose the money invested in the flight he missed. How could he get to the front of the line? How many seats were left on that flight? How many people in front of him in line wanted the same limited seats on that flight?
But I have a secret weapon.
I am a reality TV addict.
One of those shows is The Amazing Race. It's the finest tutorial on booking last minute airfare around.
"I'll call Delta" I offered. "Sure, why not" they said.
I don't think they thought I'd be able to do much.
"I'll call Delta" I offered. "Sure, why not" they said.
I don't think they thought I'd be able to do much.
3 minutes later, my dad hadn't moved an inch in line. But he was confirmed for the last coach ticket on the 6pm flight. And it didn't cost a dime- they just transferred the ticket. The ticket lady didn't even charge the 50 dollar transfer fee. I'm that good.
Moral: everyone should watch Reality TV. You learn a lot of useful stuff. Either that, or you should have a friend you can call who is a reality TV addict. It's useful when stuck in line at the airport. I kinda feel bad for all those other people who just waited in line and didn't get on that flight. They must not have had such useful knowledge or friends.
