So just like most of my trips, I challenged myself again and booked a six am flight. And just like all those trips, I missed it. Yes. Once again. And if you have been reading my travel tales regularly, you know how experienced I am in missing and rebooking and rescheduling flights. Never - let me say it again - Never, ever have I paid a rebooking fee or penalty as they call it. And honestly, it's not my negotiation skills. No one has ever asked me to pay - before today. WTH!
So a overly polite elderly guy at Delta counter tells me that it will cost me fifty bucks to change my itinerary. When I denied, he suggested I call Delta customer care to see if they can waive it. Sure enough, after about twenty minutes of hold, the Delta representative tells me that I need to pay $150 penalty for missing my flight plus the difference in the price. What a joke!
Well, going back to the airport and paying fifty dollars seemed like an obvious choice at this point. So I returned to the counter. And at this point, I would like to take a moment and thank god that the elderly guy asked some other guy to re-schedule me :D
Guy: Where are you from?
Sowm: India
Guy: Nice! Where in India?
Sowm: New Delhi
Guy: Are you punjabi?
Sowm: Yes! (Joyed and surprised) I didn't think you would know (He's white)
Guy: Oh, my girl friend is punjabi, so I know
Sowm: That's great! blah blah blah
Guy: Blah Blah Blah
After ten minutes...
Guy: Here you go Ms. Bhardwaj. See you later :) (No mention of money/penalty etc)
Sowm: Thank you soooo much for your help sir. I really appreciate it. (Run!)
Phew!
Well, I learned something new today!
