Don’t worry! I’m just kidding! So I got to the airport to take my flight from St. Louis to Chicago today at 1:30, and the flight was supposed to leave at 3:30. Apparently, if there’s any lightening within a five mile radius, the ground crew can’t fuel the plane or load the luggage. To make a very long story short, we sat in the plane until almost 6:00. My flight from Chicago to Paris was at 5:55, so that means I get to have one more night in the US before leaving! That’s why I’m sitting at a table in Bar Louie with about fifty televisions, a bunch of people wearing hockey jerseys, and Blondie blaring in the background.
While I was still in St. Louis I used one of the red courtesy phones provided by American Airlines and I called to rebook my flight. I’ve been doing this long enough to know that there was no way I was going to make that flight. No problem, I was able to book the same flight for tomorrow at the same time. I was assured by the gate attendants that American Airlines would provide me with hotel and meal vouchers. However, when I arrived in Chicago, I learned that it’s their policy not to provide vouchers when delays are caused by bad weather. The lady working at the gate was very nice to me, and I was also very nice with her (it’s certainly not her fault). I politely asked if there was someone else I could talk to about the situation. She told me that if she called over her supervisor, he would most certainly say no. She suggested I go to the ticket counter outside of security because the supervisors over there are nicer. I didn’t need more encouragement than that, so off I went!
When I got to the ticket counter I saw a supervisor, and I told him my story. He told me I’d have to talk to a different supervisor about this. I asked if the other supervisor was nice, and he told me that if I flash a big smile and talk with a Southern accent that maybe I’ll have some luck. Indeed, he was very nice, and I’ll be darned if it didn’t work. I got a voucher for a hotel and three meals, and that explains why I’m sitting in Bar Louis at a hotel near O’Hare and not on a flight on my way to Paris. I’ll just consider this evening of hockey, Blondie, and quesadillas a little bonus and a last call for Americana. I do feel guilty though. François and the kids are at home sleeping on air mattresses that deflate during the night (b/c we shipped all of our furniture last Friday) and I get to sleep in a comfortable bed.
I love that you talked your way into a hotel room!! Sad we didn’t get a proper goodbye. Travel safe today and please let the kids have a sleepover and enjoy a bed one night:)
You are a business woman for sure! I think that a smile and a positive attitude will get you anywhere. Good job on negotiating a compensation with an airline, nowadays it is an accomplishment just by itself! Bon Voyage!!
Merci 🙂 I like that, and maybe it should become our mantra: A smile and a positive attitude will get you anywhere you want to go!
Oh your Southern charm will get you all sorts of places! Let us know when you have arrived safe and sound!
I will, I will! I’m willing to bet you’ve got a good bit of Southern charm as well 🙂