While I was in Hong Kong airport I decided to use some of my spare time to change the dates of my return flights to the UK. You see when I booked my flights last year the airline computers did not allow bookings far enough in the future for me to get the rough dates I wanted. I was assured by my travel agent that I could change the date for free the first time because of this fact – it is not my fault that they don’t look as far into the future as I do.
That’s the back story.
So there I am at the airline ticketing desk. The woman says that any change to ticket dates incurs a 50 pound fixed penalty. I know the score, at least I think I do, so I try to explain the above situation. I’ll be honest I didn’t do a very good job. The woman still wants fifty pounds to change my flight date, and if I guess incorrectly when I will be wanting to come back I’ll have to pay 50 again!
In a flash of brilliance – or indecision – I ask for a number that I can call from Auckland instead, so that I can make the decision in a less pressured environment. And also have some time to mull over what the situation is (I like making decisions like this).
So I called today, ‘I’d like to change the return date of this flight’ I say ‘OK’ is the response. As simple as that.
Then even better I blurt out ‘Hold on is it possible to change this to an open ticket’… ‘Sure’
Stunningly easy, flabergasted. Now I have an open ticket home that is valid until 1st August 2009. Spot on!!!
Cool – See you on the 2nd of August then?
If not before – who knows how quickly I’ll run out of funds or enthusiasm 🙂
glad you got your ticket organised. i expect you will find things a bit different here when you come back, what with the banking crisis and firms going bust. i heard that royal worcester had gone into receivership. we went round their shop and museum of china and porcelain when we were in worcester the other year, so it is upsetting to hear that this firm has gone now.