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For all my wise words about checking on flights, all my reminders about how events like Katrina can affect them, and even for all my precaution of double-checking our reservations in October, by November we were in panic mode. We had already contacted the airlines, both resorts and the car rental agent: everything was a go. One resort had closed for a week to repair some damages from the hurricane, but by the time we get there, everything will be fine. Then the purchase agent called to inform us our flights had been cancelled. In fact, all Mexicana flights along our route had been cancelled.
After the initial heart-racing, expletive-laden knee-jerk, horrified reaction, we asked the agent what could be done. We have hotel reservations, car rental reservations. We want to go. No, we need to go!
The only solution available, we were told, was a two-stop route that took us through Mexico City and got us to Cancun around midnight. Figure in customs, baggage check, rental car pickup and the long drive to our hotel a couple hours south: that’s one very long – and wasted – day, times two for the return.
Fortunately, either because we were politely firm or because we were armed with knowledge of other available flights on different airlines, the agent agreed to refund the cost of our tickets – minus taxes and surcharges. That freed us up to purchase new tickets. Katrina threw me for a loop: the new tickets saved us a few hundred dollars. Who could have known? I stand by my earlier advice: purchase in advance to save money. It works most of the time.
In the end, it all worked out for the best; we got flights whose itineraries are within minutes of the times our last booking offered, and we shaved a few dollars off the price.
My advice? If you don’t purchase trip insurance, at least arm yourself with knowledge for the battle you’re sure to encounter if a hiccup arises. Flexibility is difficult once you’ve booked everything else, but the more flexible you can be, the easier the fix will be. Be firm but be calm, rational and polite. After all, it’s not their fault and they don’t want to lose customers – unless you’re one of those pain-in-the-neck customers. Then maybe they wouldn’t mind seeing the last of you. Also, be informed: of your rights, of your options and of your requirements.
Most of all, remember: it’s not life or death. It’s a vacation. Don’t get yourself so worked up over the details that you won’t be able to enjoy your trip once you’re finally on it.
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