Affordable Globetrotting: 08/07/18

Venice, Italy: a city of love, food, wine, fascinating history, and incredible art and sites. I had always dreamt of going to Italy, but never thought I would actually get the opportunity. So when we came across an amazing flight deal to Venice online that also correlated with our fall break, we couldn’t pass it up. I felt like it was almost too good to be true that we were going to Italy.

…And it really was almost too good to be true the day we arrived to the airport for our trip.

Now, we were well aware that for international flights (especially leaving Salt Lake City airport), one should arrive to the airport AT LEAST two hours before boarding. We knew this, so we did just that.

We walked nonchalantly into the airport feeling relaxed, excited, and confident, for we were certain that we were before schedule and able to get to our gate with plenty of time to relax before having to board our plane. Heck, I had even gone as far as envisioning myself sitting down at our gate with a snack and reading “Under the Tuscan Sun” by Frances Mayes to get myself even more pumped for our trip. I was THAT excited.

My high instantly became a low when we found no one around to check us in at the check-in desk. Instant panic came over me when I imagined the worst that could possibly happen with our current situation. I had a really bad feeling and knot in my stomach, but I tried to stay calm. Somehow, I was able to refrain myself from verbally and physically panicking when we were told that everyone at the check-in counter had left to go through security and head to the gate. Apparently, the check-in desk crew were the ones assigned to scan the tickets at our flight's gate. I took a deep breath, but my heart sank even more when we learned that no one was returning to check us in. There was absolutely nothing we (nor anyone else) could do to help us.

We tried not to freak out about our dilemma. So we took another deep breath. Positivity and motivation kicked in. We remembered that we were problem-solvers and that we find solutions. Hell, we’ve been through a dilemma just about every single trip, yet we found solutions for every one of them. We can find a solution to this dilemma too….right?

We don’t just give up or break when there’s a dilemma, especially when we travel.

So our next step was thinking rationally and brainstorming possibilities. We put aside our disappointment and anger (for the time being) at the airlines and attendants who left the check-in desk far too early and missed us and focused on what we could do next. We already established that getting pissed off wasn’t going to help our situation. So we were on to the next idea…

We did everything we could to try and make that flight: talked to security, talked to other airport employees, called the gate. It was pointless. By the time we would get a hold of someone, it would be too late to check-in, go through security ourselves, and run to our gate to make it before the door closes.

But we weren’t giving up yet. We called that airline and explained the whole situation. In fact, we explained the situation four different times, to four different representatives, after holding and waiting to speak to someone however long, four different times. It was a headache. Every single representative for that airline was less than helpful and even more so less than sympathetic to our situation. Three hours wasted talking to these jerks. I guess we were fools for thinking an airline was going to help us when they could possibly lose money and just claim that it was “our fault”. I tried calling and speaking to another representative a fifth time while Daren called the credit card company that we used to purchase our flight—Chase.

About an hour into being on the phone with Chase, Daren was able to accomplish the near impossible. He explained our whole situation to the Chase representative, and they were somehow able to transfer us to a later flight! I don’t know what Daren said during that conversation, or how Chase was able to help us, but I literally jumped for joy in the middle of Salt Lake City airport when Daren relayed the good news to me.

We were going to Italy after all! And I must say, it was a trip of a lifetime.

Mozzarella, asparagus, egg pizza. Venice, Italy.

After Thought

Yes, it was Chase that ultimately saved us from missing out on our trip to Venice. However, I like to think that it was also our determination to find a solution to our dilemma that helped. We didn’t settle for anything less than what we wanted and deserved. We could have easily walked out of that airport thinking that there wasn’t anything we could have done to change the situation, sh*t happens, and that it was in fact too good to be true to go to Italy…but we didn’t. We fought to go on that trip that we paid for and prepped mentally and physically for months. It was a tough situation. But once again, we have learned in our travels that with patience, careful thinking, and determination, it’s possible to find a solution to any dilemma. It may not always be the solution you have in mind, but your attitude after is what will impact and effect the rest of your trip...So make the best of every situation. And even if it’s a tough one, keep in mind that simple saying: When life gives you lemons, make “Limoncello”.

Always stay motivated. And always stay positive. Salute!

Safe Travels,

Veronica

Special THANKS to Chase! Because of your help in making Italy happen for us that day (plus all of the other benefits of the Chase Sapphire Card), I will always be a loyal Chase customer and Chase Sapphire Credit Card holder. Trust me, I still promise that I’m not a salesperson or representative for Chase… but even more so now, I am more than happy to advocate for them in thanks for all that I’ve gained with their company and card.

Random thought just now (literally): Did they help transfer our flight because of one of my previous blog posts titled, “Get So Much More with the Chase Sapphire Card”? I did advertise the Chase Sapphire Card pretty heavily in that post. If so, I’ll keep promoting, Chase!