If only what I posted last time was not “fun” or “tragic” enough, my journey back topped it up! I am typing this from Panama instead of Miami which was my original connection.
Oh.. I want to say that I am being very amused by all this saga. Every time a ball throw at me, I asked what more?! The endurance and mental strength developed during the race prepared me well for it was to come. Isn’t that why I love marathons? they make everything else easier to deal with.
I got to the airport 2.5 hours before departure to be on the cautious side. Then I boarded on time together with dozens of other runners who hang their medal proudly. Then the pilot announced that Miami airport was closed due to weather condition, and that we would get another update in 40 min. 2 hours later, several announcements with no clear direction, we went back to gate, with the “plan” to wait until weather improves. There was no point for me to get there as my connection flight would be missed. So I called AA to reroute. No flights anywhere in NY last night, nor the day after, not to brasilia, not to sao paulo. I may have a seat on Wednesday with two connections somewhere in the world. There were other brazilians on board who were surprised I was going to Brasilia. Then between asking more questions to customer services that didn’t have an answer, I made the executive decision to cancel my flight and book a new one through Copa. The brazilian lady asked me if I sorted it out, I said, yes I bought a new ticket. She enviously said: oh fancy! I didn’t know how to react to that so I said, I have to go back home, can’t wait until Wednesday. She said: me too but I don’t want to pay $$. well.. i left the gate and her and went to baggage claim trying to retrieve my two checked bags. The customer service there was rude, impatient, and told me they don’t pull luggage out from a domestic flight, and that the flight is not cancelled. I got mad and called another customer service who agreed with me, but that guy wouldn’t budge. He almost courted me out of his counter. I went upstairs and talked to another customer service. The lady, Claudia, was composed, strong and confident. She explained to me why I couldn’t get my luggage back (because the flight is still planning to depart, and that they don’t pull luggage out of domestic flight). then she explained to me that even if I fly back to brasilia with another airline, they can still track my bags and send them back home. She gave me enough confidence, although i had no other choice, and left the airport to find a hotel for the night.
After 4 nights of Westin hotel, this was a downgrade but it was only for one night and I could not justify to pay a lot, plus I already bought another ticket! I kept telling myself, my frugal self, that it was money well spent to go home and not miss my important work trip.
Just as I settled to get ready to take rest, I checked the flight status of the flight to Miami, cancelled. That means I would be able to get my bags back! So I uber back to airport to get my bags. They contains all the things I bought for the girls, not valuable but they would appreciate them, so i wanted to minimize risk of losing my luggage. Finally back to hotel 10pm and got a good night of sleep, with my bags, flight re-booked.
While I waited at the lounge to take my first flight to Panama this morning, I called the agent to re-book my flight to Sao Paulo that was supposed to be 5pm but I only arrive Brasilia 12:40am. so I rebooked for 6:45am as my first meeting will be 9:30am.
When Sofia asked me if I get to sleep an hour at home, I jokingly said if I’m efficient packing, I’d get two. She felt bad that I’d be so tired the next day. I said: marathon is over, I could afford not sleeping for few days. 🙂
I feel lucky to be able to afford to get another ticket home instead of camping 48 hrs in the airport. I am grateful for Claudia. I am glad I got my bags with me. Finger crossed I get to Brasilia on time and arrive the first meeting with my boss still smiling.
This whole journey is a dinner table story for years to come. 🙂
