An important tip for flying is to let the gate attendant know who you are, in a nice way, and that you appreciate their help. This is, of course, if you are trying to change your seat, looking for an upgrade, etc. Do not approach the attendant in a threatening manner or blame them for flight delays. This is not their fault. It is also not their fault that the airport has incorrectly listed a flight as “on time” when it has indeed been delayed. If you tell them nicely, they will call someone and have the flight status updated.
Journal entry January 2, 2016
Up at 7:00. Last day on the island (Curacao). Down to the beach and met up with Laura and James. Said our good-byes.
Up to room and ready to go to the airport. Got to airport in plenty of time. went to the lounge. Out to get ready to board the plane DELAYED! Finally got on board. We had been upgraded to 1st class. Good dinner on the plane. I had filet and lobster, salad and mac and cheese. John had cheese cannelloni. Arrived in Miami and had to RUN to our plane after going through customs. Get to gate only to find out this flight IS DELAYED….. John went to the desk and asked for an upgrade and went to the bathroom. Of course, our name is called. I have all of our luggage and am trying to get to the desk. A very nice lady helped me get there. Only one upgrade was available. I declined it and thanked him, and explained my husband and I wanted to stay together. I stayed up by the desk and sympathized with the gate attendant. He was quite overwhelmed and kept apologizing to everyone for the delays. (People were not nice and were very cranky). Apparently the crew was delayed from another flight. They finally arrived. I wanted to clap, but didn’t. We finally boarded. John and I were in the bulkhead at least and were consoling ourselves that that was close to first class, had more leg room etc. Two twenty something boys came on and said, “Excuse us, but WE are in seats 7B and 7C”. Just when we were about to protest they smiled and said, “You’ve been upgraded to first class!” I jumped up and said “All right then!” and off we went to first class. Just before they closed the door the gate attendant came on with the manifest, smiled at John and I and said, “How do you like those seats?” My reply “Love them and thank you. Hope your tomorrow is better!” I got a thumbs up and another smile.
