My first time leaving the country since the pandemic. While excited, I was anticipating some new challenges. Health pass requirements at customs, travel insurance restrictions, negative Covid test results (no, they don’t care if you’re vaccinated). I knew was in for an adventure, but had no idea how early the ‘adventuring’ would begin! This past weekend, American Airlines notified me that they had cancelled my flight. I rebooked on Delta only to arrive at the airport this morning for a 3-hour flight delay, preventing a successful connection in Atlanta and a rebook onto a flight the next day.
Struggling to get in contact with GAdventures (the company I booked my tour with) I reached out to CEO over Instagram in desperate hope he’d be able to provide some guidance. I knew the travel group would depart from San Jose early tomorrow morning so I’d miss them if I flew in later. What happens then? Can it even happen? Should I rebook my flight or cancel the entire trip? I had so many questions.
Then…I get a response from Bruce Poon Tip - the CEO took time…on a Saturday…to check his DMs and respond to the Oklahoma girl begging for consult. His response “Don’t worry, I’l message your group for you.” He proceeded to tell me every step he was taking to contact his team so that someone would call me, ensure my information got updated, and connection transportation was organized to sync me up with the group tomorrow afternoon.
Wow. Catch me sitting on the floor of the airport crying happy tears of relief. Nuppy Mistry, the Global Connections Officer for North America called me shortly after. His first advice to me? “Get yourself a beer, I’ve got you taken care of and I’ll call you consistently to keep you updated.”
Yes, Nuppy, I’ll happily do as you suggest.
Ponied up to the airport bar next to two amazing people that had wonderful things to say about Costa Rica; Derreck & Michele. Two individuals that had visited several times and raved about the culture, the beauty, the people. Derreck just got back last week and even tossed me some cab fare that he had left in his wallet.
Moments like this remind you of the beautiful people in the world; of what it means to provide incredible customer service; of why it’s important to be kind to those that have chosen the work of serving others…but most importantly, why you have to keep your eye on the end goal and stay open to the journey as you go.
Fast forward, I’m on the flight to Atlanta. I’ll stay the night there and fly out in the morning. Silver lining? I get a night with Colleen; one of my best girlfriends of 18 years that is gracious enough to spare me the airline hotel accommodations, pick me up at the airport and provide me some MUCH appreciated comfort of a friend.
Costa Rica…you can’t get rid of me that easily. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.
In the meantime… Pura Vida!
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