lostcarpark: (Default)
lostcarpark ([personal profile] lostcarpark) wrote2003-08-07 12:29 pm

So we're checking in at the airport...

Had a fabulous weekend in London. We did far too much shopping and had to buy an extra bag to bring it all home. Damn sales!

Then we get to the airport and queue up for the check-in desk. We go through the usual, "did you pack these bags yourself?", etc. Then the guy asks if we'd like £300 and a free hotel room for the night, and our choice of flights the next day, as the plane is severely overbooked. We think about it for a moment and decide "sounds like a good deal". So we take our bags back off the conveyor and over to the booking desk where they organise it all. We then get on the bus to the hotel, Le Meridian, which is very nice. We had a very nice meal, also paid for by the airline, though we did have to shell out for the bottle of wine. And spent the rest of the evening relaxing and watching television. The next day I call the office and tell them I won't make it in till later...

Oh, and if anyone's bored, here's a cute little online game.

[identity profile] lproven.livejournal.com 2003-08-07 12:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Glad to be of service!

[identity profile] lostcarpark.livejournal.com 2003-08-08 10:32 am (UTC)(link)
Shame we didn't get to spend more time with you. It was really nice of you to put us up, and I'm just sorry we didn't get a chance to take you out for dinner or something.

[identity profile] lproven.livejournal.com 2003-08-08 03:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Mutual. Perhaps if I come and stay with you instead...? :¬)

[identity profile] lostcarpark.livejournal.com 2003-08-08 03:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Absolutely. Any time - my tenants are moving out this weekend, so please feel very welcome. I'm not sure if I'll be moved into a new house by TCASU. However, even if I'm not, there should be plenty of room in the apartment. The only condition while I'm still at the apartment is to keep tidy and be prepared to disappear anytime prospective buyers are coming to view.

[identity profile] lproven.livejournal.com 2003-08-08 07:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Yay! Consider that a booking!

[identity profile] davesangel.livejournal.com 2003-08-07 01:05 pm (UTC)(link)
That was really decent of the airline. When we were waiting (4 hours delay) to fly to Bristol, en route to Glastonbury, another flight was overbooked and they offered 50 pounds or 100 worth of travel vouchers if you flew later that day instead. Pity they didn't think to do the same for us, as most people on the plane missed their coach from Bristol. Instead, we got 4 pounds worth of luncheon voucers. Cheapskates...

[identity profile] lostcarpark.livejournal.com 2003-08-08 11:11 am (UTC)(link)
I think we must have built up enough good airline karma or something. The airlines know that a certain percentage of passengers won't show up for a flight, so presumably it pays more to compensate passengers when too many show up than to fly with empty seats. I think Ryanair are the only airline that never overbook.

[identity profile] margotmetroland.livejournal.com 2003-08-07 06:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Well dear, it was very nice to see you again. Very nice to meet the lovely Ange too, you both seemed to be having a fine old time.

Bargain on the £300 and free hotel room. I thoroughly approve!

[identity profile] lostcarpark.livejournal.com 2003-08-08 11:13 am (UTC)(link)
Lovely to see you too. Angie and I had a great time. And don't forget the three course dinner thrown in!