In my previous post, I couldn’t contain my excitement. However shortly after writing my post, all that excitement turned into frustration and disappointment. After 2 hours of delay in the flight departure, LAN airlines finally canceled the flight for that day. They said that it was a “Technical Issue On the Plane” but from what I heard it wasn’t so. I was supposed to fly to Buenos Aires and my connection was Miami. It was 10:00pm local time and they very casually said that the flight would now take off only the next day around noon. I saw a lot of disappointed faces around me when the LAN crew member made this announcement.
My jaw just dropped to the floor when I heard “Manana” meaning tomorrow and I knew it was bad news. This delay meant I had to cancel my trip altogether. I tried to get on to another flight such that I would still reach my destination in the same time range as my original flight. However, the LAN crew was so irresponsible and they didn’t seem to care. Well not all of them were like that. There was one gentleman who tried his best to help me.
BTW, if you’re ever planning on traveling to South America, please do not fly LAN airlines! They suck in service, courtesy and clearly basic flying operations! My friends faced similar issues at several destinations in South America.
Anyway, long story short, after spending 36 odd hours at the airport, I finally boarded a plane back to where I started my journey. I guess South America will have to wait for me until 2012 after all.
The Change Revolution 
Didnt they give you accomodation?
After an 8 hour delay or cancellation and if no satisfactory alternative travel arrangements made by airlines, all airlines are compulsorily required to give you accomodation. All you have to say is “I know the rules. I want my rights. According to Geneva convention, you cannot do this. You would better sit me on a plane within 8 hours or give me 5-star accomodation!” They will panic…
We did this at Delhi airport with Air India, which has worst customer service… And on the 7th hour, they somehow managed to fly us out.
Now this IS a great disappointment. I feel very sorry you have to go through all that :(. But, I hope it is all for the best. Okay, I’ll remember not to go on LAN.
🙂
Thanks for the tip about LAN. I’m so sorry about your situation. That’s awful!
Oh dear, sorry to read this! Have you ever watched ‘The Terminal’ with Tom Hanks? It will put a smile on your face for sure!