Banner Sponsors
For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
MerBear OriginalsMy daughter just finished teaching english in Thailand for 2 years and decided to go to Costa Rica to teach. She was hired by a school just outside of San Jose and bought a 1-way ticket from US Air. The school told her she didn't need a work visa but to get some papers stamped at the embassy, which she did. We took her to the airport in Toronto last Sunday (4 am!) and waited to hear she arrived safely. Instead, we got a call from her later in the afternoon that she was back in Toronto. Her flight was to North Carolina and then to San Jose. In N. Carolina they wldn't let her get on the plane because she only had a 1-way ticket and they said she had to have a return ticket. Several other people were also refused and had to buy 2 way tickets. One tourist from France actually had a bus ticket from San Jose to Nicaragua but they insisted she had to get a plane ticket instead. unfortunately my daughter only had $500 on her credit card and was unable to purchase another ticket. at least the agent decided to change her ticket to allow her to fly back to toronto - where she found they had lost her luggage! Because of having no luggage Canada Customs then detained her for a couple of hours, including searching her! Just unbelievable!! It then took one week to get her luggage delivered to us - after numerous phone calls back and forth. It finally arrived here at about 4 AM this morning!
US Air told her that Costa Rica just started refusing people entry without a return ticket about 2 wks ago. Why didn't they tell her this when she purchased her ticket? Why was she allowed on the plane in Toronto and put thru such anguish!
As soon as the school in Thailand found out they started begging her to come back. They've offered her a great deal and she leaves next week. She really enjoyed Thailand and has some good friends there - only decided to leave to do something different. Now they've changed her job enough and are giving her new housing so that will be new enough!
In any case, I am very upset with US Air and tempted to sue. The ticket cost her $600 which she could ill afford to lose, and then the anguish of not knowing where her luggage was for a week. remember, this luggage contained all her belongings that she would need for a year! It probably cost US Air about $300 to get the luggage to her - which does make me feel somewhat better!
Thanks for listening to my rant!
Marion
LutonYou are so right to have a rant !!!
When my husband and I went on our Honeymoon to Mexico about 4 years ago we flew out from London Gatwick. Our luggage was alittle over the weight limit but the chap at check said it was not a problem and sent us on our way.
Whilst we were on holiday the travel reps posted a notice on the hotels board to say that anyone over their limit would be charged. I was incredulous. How could they let us fly out without any warning of what was to happen.
On the return journey we tried to get rid of as much stuff that we didin't need as possible but we were still over and had to pay £50.
I was appalled and wished that I had complained at the time.
So I'm with you there. Airlines can be the worst !!!!
Claire
Flying Fur StudiosOh my! I would be raging!
I've also had trouble with them, makes me soo angry. They have no idea how they can effect someone's life so much.
Thank goodness she's happy going back to thailand.
That is terrible Marion and what an awful experinence for your daughter.
I wish her all the very best with going back to Thailand.
Hugs
Carolyn
Posts: 3,540I have to say I'm not impressed with how controlling the airlines are over someone's life anymore 
As you say, from their oversight they ended up costing her $600.00 and quite a lot of stress over her belongings...not to mention all the hassle and headaches of custom searches.
I have to say its odd that they told her to simply get a one way ticket, as I was pretty sure you had to show proof that you could/were leaving Costa Rica. Perhaps this was different because she was doing a long term teaching job though? Either way its a total rip off.... and I"m SO not impressed with the way the airlines are going! 
Back Road BearsI'm glad I'm flying on United in October!!!!
Ya know, the thing is, these awful things happen all the time to people traveling by air. It's awful and I'm not belittling your daughter's experience, Marion. Not at all. But you never hear about the GOOD experiences people have on airlines, do you? 
Are there any??
Charlotte Des Roches DesignsMy recent trip of 2000 miles each way...from NM to Upstate NY & back was via amtrak...I don't fly... sorry your daughter had such a bad experience Marion...Hare Hipster was with me the whole trip!!!!
Hugs&
Posts: 8,574On a lighter note;
I find it wonderful and fascinating that your daughter is traveling around the world teaching as she goes. What a wonderful idea and what great experiences she is getting, and education you cannot buy in any college!
good for her! I think she's got GUMPTION and am tickled pink she is doing this.
Imagine what an impressive teacher she will be with all these experiences under her belt!
4 Golly somersaults up for your daughter!
Apple Dumpling DesignsBut you never hear about the GOOD experiences people have on airlines, do you?
Well.....yes they do...every once in awhile. One time when I was flying home from a conference I was attending for work the Portland Airport CLOSED because of the weather 20 minutes before we were to land and we were sent BACK to Las Vegas...now that sounds like fun but not when you are tired and have already been gone for 5 days and just wanting to sleep in your own bed. Alaska Air rebooked my flight for the next day...FREE...and FIRST CLASS!!!
However, my ex who travels internationally alot has had his luggage lost more times than I care to count...and they act like it's YOUR fault THEY lost your luggage. AUGH!!!
I too am fascinated by your daughters travels...tell us more once the dust settles and she where she intends to be.
Hugs...
