The morning fog told me that I was not going to make my flight. I was out in the Alaskan wilderness. The fog on the beach limited one’s sight to less than 50 yards. The weather forecast suggested that it was not going to go away quickly. It was time for a Plan B. Whatever that might be, it excluded the possibility of making my flight in Anchorage.
The impromptu plan that unfolded included a bumpy boat ride for an hour followed by a three and a half hour van journey. While the experience was wonderful, it did not help me in my explanation with the airlines. Each time I called, I got a different answer! By the time I got to the airport, I had no idea what to expect.
I picked the agent that looked like she had the most experience. I got the novice. As she retraced my steps in multiple telephone calls to the rate desk, the questions were familiar. How did I book my ticket? What type of ticket did I think I bought? What had I been told?
I had no idea where my questions were leading. At times questions are like that. In an old story, given an unfolding situation, there was a Q&A.
“’How were you baptized, then?’ asked Paul.
‘In John’s baptism.’” (Acts 19.3)
I was waiting for the additional response. What is it to you? Why are you asking? What did I miss?
In my case, as the solution unfolded, I began to grasp what they were trying to do. Much to my surprise, the two agents involved were creatively trying to get me the least expensive solution. Being candid, allowed them to be creative. Being transparent gave them motivation. Being patient allowed them to do their job. My response was born from tiredness as much as anything else.
I know the world is filled with evil. I also know that twenty-five hours after my original departure time, I am back home. Because of other’s creativity and tenacity, my trip was as comfortable as possible.
