Tonight I Had A Lesson in “Hang Up, Call Again” When Things Go Wrong

One of the most important principles in travel, miles and points that we constantly repeat is a simple four words: “Hang Up, Call Again.” And that principle is what saved me tonight for my trip.

I was originally on an 8 pm US Airways flight from La Guardia to Charlotte. Around 4:15, I got a call saying my flight was delayed until 9:30 pm due to an “air traffic control issue” on an incoming flight (translation: not US Airways’ fault). That’s kind of like saying “I am late to my meeting this morning because of traffic.” When things start this way so far ahead of time, they don’t usually end well and 9:15 was likely optimistic. Most likely, I wouldn’t land until after midnight… and that’s just very late and would kill the entire morning.

Knowing this had to be sorted ASAP (before everyone else on my flight starts getting ideas), I immediately called US Airways Customer Service and asked if they can put me on an earlier flight. They had a perfect 7 pm flight, but the agent told me it was sold out and there was nothing she could do. She gave me the option to fly at 6 pm from Newark, but there’s no chance I’d make it in time. I asked if she could put me on a Delta flight as they clearly had availability, but she told me they had no access to Delta flights… only US Airways, American and United were options. She did tell me that they “may be able” to do it at the airport and routinely switch people onto Delta flights. But to summarize, the options she gave me were: “We can refund your ticket or get you out tomorrow morning if your current flight is unacceptable.”

I figured I’d take my chance at the airport with Delta flights and headed out a little after 5 pm. But once in the cab on my way to La Guardia, I decided to give it another shot. I called again and again asked if I could be out on an earlier flight. The agent said “I can give you a seat on the 7 pm from La Guardia”. I said “Perfect!” She changed my ticket and the whole thing took probably 5 minutes.

I arrived at the airport, picked up my boarding pass, went through the elite security line and boarded my new on-time 7 pm flight. As I was boarding, there were others from my original flight coming up to the gate and asking if there was space. But alas, they were too late. I, on the other hand, am arriving earlier than originally scheduled (I didn’t book the 7 pm flight originally because I can’t commit ahead of time to leave work before 6, but it turned out ok). So everything worked out well very for me in the end… except that I am now in a middle seat, but I’ll live.

Gary from View from the Wing always says you should have three different agents tell you “No” before you give up. I am glad I was persistent enough to try twice. Now I am on my way to Charlotte for a super fun weekend with fellow miles and points enthusiasts! Something I definitely look forward to for my next hour of flying.