So, does anyone remember last year, when it was time for She Speaks, and I freaked out because I scheduled my plane flight to arrive too late for the bloggers reception that was planned? Well, I’ve managed to top that one. Evidently I scheduled my ticket to this year’s She Speaks Conference for A DAY EARLY.
WHO DOES STUFF LIKE THIS? Two years in a row for the same conference, no less? I must be 142 kinds of idiot.
As soon as I discovered my mistake, I called USAirways and bled all over the phone, but it is a nonrefundable and nontransferable ticket, and the charge to change the ticket is $150. Plus. “PLUS any increase in ticket price between now and then.” That’s insane. I can’t agree to that. What if it skyrockets? I tried to play hardball (think WalMart) but they have me over a barrel. They already have my money, and they are not going to budge. And barring a computer malfunction, this is clearly my own stupid fault. Or as my husband would call it, a case of user error.
As I was trying to decide what to do, I emailed LeAnne at She Speaks with my tale of woe, and guess what? They already have a room reserved for me on Thursday night. Because I forwarded her my plane ticket confirmation months ago, and she actually has her head on straight, she noticed straight away that the flight arrived on July 30, not the 31st. And there will be other speakers and Proverbs31 ladies arriving on Thursday as well, so I’m not going to be all alone or anything. So. Deep breath. It’s working out just fine.
The only remaining issue is, I have another trip Tues and Wednesday of that week, and I was PLANNING to have a day at home in between flights. But I suppose I’ll manage.
So I have basically learned three things:
1. I am an idiot.
2. USAirways is a big bully, and I’d love to swear I’m never flying with them again (seems this is a theme this week) but I suppose every other airline has a similar policy. And I did make the reservation months ago. And I suppose I could have double checked my email confirmation, huh? So maybe you should just refer to #1.
3. Things have a way of working out, but perhaps I should use a travel agent from now on.
So what did YOU learn this week??? Here are the carnival rules.
1. Any time this week, publish your What I Learned This Week post on your blog.
2. Within that post, please mention the What I Learned This Week carnival and link to this post.
3. Then link up with the MckLinky form down below.
4. Go forth and comment!
Alrightythen. Ready, Set, GO!
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Southwest lets you change your flight for free. I swore off of USAir about two years ago…
HMPH. It’s hard, though, in Philly, to avoid taking USAir. Still, the policy is positively maddening.
Oh man…that stinks, but at least it worked out and you won’t be alone. Those smart SheSpeaks people…how wonderful.
Bummer. At least you have somewhere to stay and won’t be the ONLY person there!
You are TOO funny! Don’t worry, I think I am coming in on Thursday, so it’ll give us some time to chit chat.
Enjoy the extra rest and fellowship! It will be awesome!
Yeah- most airlines aren’t going to let you change your ticket because of a problem on your end. But USAir sucks anyway. My husband, who flies A LOT, just plain refuses to fly them.
Glad it worked out though!
That’s a bummer but it’s an extra night in a hotel room…no kids, take yourself out to dinner. Sounds like you’re in good hands and will be well taken care of. Enjoy!
But now you get an extra day to hang out. Have a great time, we will miss you at BlogHer this weekend!
I’m thinking you just gave yourself a gift — a gift of an extra day alone without kids. A day to do whatever you want in a different city. Take advantage of it.
What a blessing in disguise! You get all that extra time with the P31 ladies! Go enjoy!
You are hysterical. Yes get a travel agent you need one now!!! Have a great time
At least we’ll have each other.
Looking forward to getting to know you better!
Sounds like it will work out just fine–I know how it feels to be disgusted with yourself for making a mistake like that, though!
I’m missing the blogger lunch on Friday, so I’m hoping for another bloggy get-together sometime during the weekend. And I know this is commenting in the wrong place, but I was appalled at your Walmart experience (though impressed with your assertiveness!).
I can top you in the idiot-flight-booking department. I booked flights for my 22-year-old daughter to come visit us in Portland OR from her home in Houston TX. But I booked them BACKWARDS, as in leave Portland, go to Houston and then back to Portland again. And? Didn’t realize it EVER. My daughter caught it that night when I sent her all of the flight info. Epic travel FAIL.
I can’t believe no one has said this yet…FLY SOUTHWEST! They have none of these change fees nonsense. You would not believe how incredibly awesome their ticket change policies are…not to mention no extra fees for baggage or anything. I fly them whenever possible now, their attitudes are a thousand times better than USAir. The only problem being you have to check their website directly for fares, since you won’t see them on all the other travel sites. But it’s WORTH it.
Have you ever seen that reality show about people freaking out at airlines? Man, those people deal with a lot, but with the customer “service” they provide it’s no wonder! Enjoy your extra night away… I’m incredibly jealous!
Oh, that is crazy that it is the same conference! The one that I can’t go to this year. Boo Hoo.
I am so glad you got it all worked out and hope it works out on the other end coming home and giving you a day home.
I’m not a fan of USAir either. Only airline that has ever lost my luggage – twice!
You are going to do so great at She Speaks!!!! I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Better a day early than a day late LOL Just think of all that time alone you’ll have…I’d kill for a day alone, in a hotel room, MILES from my kids *sigh*
I DO remember that from last year!
Obviously your subconscious (or the Lord) thinks you need an extra night of calmness to prepare fully for your talk.
Enjoy a wee bit more “me” time.
My lessons aren’t up yet – a hectic week, but I’m working on it
I bet God has a good reason for you going to the conference a day early. It seems to me that whenever I make a stupid mistake like that (which happens all too often!), something bigger than I can imagine comes from it.
Enjoy your trip!
Since I am fairly new to all of the blogger going ons I will not make it to this one. I have to say though it is nice for friends to watch others backs so glad you did not have to worry about the hotel room the extra night
In my travels I have had moments like this one! There should be some way to ‘idiot-proof’ the ticketing process for people like us! haha!
Be blessed,
Susan
My lessons are finally up – better late than never!