All is well that ends well - Part Three
* This is the third instalment of the God-knows-how-many-part series, so those who haven't read Part One and/or Two are advised to go back and read Part One/Two first. Thank you!
(Continued from Part Two)
I couldn't believe my ears. I. JUST. COULDN'T.
"We are afraid the earliest next flight to your destination would be the ANA flight scheduled to depart at 10:05. Neither we nor Starflyer has a flight until 12:20.”
The fact that I was very VERY aware of without having them tell me again and again.
Resigned, I thanked them profusely for the help they had offered and plodded back to Terminal 2, where all this mess began.
Quite honestly, I was feeling devastated, miserable, and so disgusted with myself that I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I had always been punctual and had never missed my flights before. And there I was, pulling a disgraceful stunt of a no-show: a nightmare for airlines. I couldn't kick myself enough for not having double-checked the departure terminal beforehand.
Come to think of it, there were plenty of reminders - the announcement on the shuttle bus where to get off based on the airline you use, the e-mail the airline sent me the evening before... but I neglected every single one totally blinded by my presumption that all ANA flights - whether they be codeshare flights or not - should leave from Terminal 2. The preconception was so powerful that it completely overshadowed any rationale for double-checking, which all sounded just an excuse to sugarcoat my stupidity and carelessness.
It was awfully awkward and embarrassing to go back to the ANA check-in counter to explain what had transpired in the past 30 minutes, let alone ask to change flights. (On top of all that, I must have looked like a mess; both frazzled and dishevelled.)
In fact, I had prepared myself for purchasing a new ticket but the agent kindly told me,
"As you were here at the check-in counter with an intention of getting onboard the original flight but missed it as an eventuality, we can get you a new ticket for no extra charge."
It was nothing but music to my ears. I honestly couldn't believe my ears!
But I asked her back just to confirm if there was really no extra charge. I mean, that I really didn't need to pay at all.
"No, ma'am. We understand how confusing it is to have our codeshare flights depart from Terminal 1. Quite a few passengers mix up the departure terminals actually. Now, your ticket is ready. We've got you a window seat near the front so you can deplane quickly when it's landed at your destination. Have a safe flight and thank you for flying with us."
Oh. My. Word. What excellent customer service!
Given that I had missed a flight, she went the extra mile to book me a seat near the front to make sure that my subsequent connection to whatever transport I may use goes smoothly!
Honestly, I felt like being salvaged after hitting the rock bottom, it certainly lifted my spirits.
(To be continued)
