Current Status: Trapped in Iceland with @Shenanigator After Being Screwed by WOW Air - HELP!

in travel •  8 years ago  (edited)

Looks like we may not make it home from SteemFest after all. Never thought this would happen, but it did. If anyone has advice, we are open to it. (UPDATE: Please see note at the end!)

So here's the sitch.

We booked our international flights through WOW Airlines. This particular airline only flies out of a few US cities, so we had to book a flight from Phoenix to San Francisco through another airline. It would have been the same situation (in reverse) coming home:

  • Amsterdam > Iceland (layover) > San Francisco (WOW Airlines)
  • San Francisco > San Diego (layover) > Phoenix, AZ (Southwest Airlines)

When we got to Iceland, however...

WOW Air canceled the flight from Iceland (we suspect because not enough people were on it, but they have yet to provide the real reason). It was rescheduled it for 4pm local time tomorrow. In the mean time, we are stuck in a hospital-esque hotel where they plan to order pizza for dinner (and who knows what for breakfast -- they have no kitchen here.) They have no way of accommodating my food allergies, which means I will be without food for another 24+ hours. In case you missed the last post, I've been hungry for the majority of the time in Amsterdam already.

Watch out, WOW Air, hangry (hungry + angry) Brittany is a force to be reckoned with.

Did I mention this "hotel" is actually an old military bunker turned hostel? We get two twin beds and have to share a bathroom with another room. Thanks, WOW.

The 24-hour delayed flight alone might not be that bad, except...

We now have to eat the cost of the Southwest flights. To rebook new flights would cost at minimum $360 each. That's even after searching every airline for the best deal.

What about other methods of transportation?

We're trying to brainstorm any other possible way to get back because $360+ flights are not an option financially. Taking a Greyhound bus would be over $150 each, but take 3x's as long and we both need to be back at work. Similarly, renting a car is another option, but even more costly. If anyone has other thoughts, PLEASE let us know. We actually might be stuck in San Francisco.

Disclaimer: Anything we earn from this post will go directly to getting home from SteemFest.

Update:

After unexpectedly receiving Steem & SBD donations from some unbelievably generous Steemians, we will now be able to make it home from San Francisco if WOW Air doesn’t refund the cost. If we do receive compensation via the European Union’s Regulation, or can otherwise find a way to pay for the travel, anything we have been given will be returned. We are also looking into any other inexpensive alternatives that will allow us to return the gifts. Both @shenanigator and myself are overflowing with gratitude at the support and encouragement from the Steemit community in our hour of need. We will be sure to post an update on how exactly we got home when we finally arrive.

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If youre going to miss your SW flight because your connecting flight was delayed, you should be able to get a refund. I think.

I have a fuckton (im not sure if its an english or metric fuckton) of miles on my corporate card that are probably going to expire at the end of the year anyway. If you want ill see what i can book... san fran to phoenix right?

Omg that is unbelievably generous! Yes, it would be from SFO to PHX for two adults. After our last call with WOW Air it looks like they may (huge emphasis on may) be able to fly us into another airport (LAX) which would be wildly cheaper because we could take a $40/each Greyhound bus back to Phoenix from there. We're still waiting on a call back to find out if that's possible.

  ·  8 years ago (edited)

ill shoot an email to our AA and have her see what we can book. What time do you get into SFO (if youre more comfortable emailing the info, its my steemit name @gmail

We'll go ahead and email you. It'll be coming from my username @ gmail.

You sir or madam are awesome.

keep in mind that im only potentially awesome. I'm hopeful ill be able to do something, but a short notice miles booking a week before thanksgiving is not necesarily a sure thing, so keep upvoting the post too everyone

Great job!

I'd argue that you're still awesome whether you're able to book any flights or not. The willingness to help and the generosity behind the sentiment warrants that!

can't agree more!

AWESOME! <3

I think it's the metric fuckton rather than imperial because they're stuck technically in Europe ;)

Agreed, my understanding is:

  • metric fuckton
  • standard shitton.

@michelle.gent still making me laugh, even though we're now on different continents again. 😂

As long as you can still smile a little... :) <3

Damn! I'm glad this is being sorted! I hope you guys reach home safely and soon! Thank you @sigmajin for helping them out with this!

sigmajin is a very awesome dude. Straight up. :)

udaman

FYI, under (EC) Regulation 261/2004 air passengers are entitled to compensation of $295 to $710 per person, irrespective of the ticket price paid, in the event of a flight ...

  • Cancellation
  • Delay or
  • Overbooking

Check https://www.flightright.com
Used their free services (they only take a fee in case of successful reimbursement) every time I had problem with a flight.
They are very efficient!

Definitely bookmarking that page, thank you! That must be the "European Union's Regulation" regarding international flight delays for this length of time/distance. It would be a miracle if we could see those reimbursements since this is not only causing financial burdens for the rebooked flights, but also time away from work for both of us. (Plus, we could then return any financial gifts Steemians have given, which would be ideal.) We're still in absolute shock that the community has gathered to share and support like this.

I had a feeling it would work out ;) Glad it seems to be

I send you guys all the steem dollars I had in my account. Get home safe.

My jaw is on the floor right now... @exyle I don't know how we could possibly thank you for your generosity! If we are able to find another way to fund or find reimbursement, we will make sure to return your gift.

If you still miss some SDB and if it can help, drop me a comment.
Me too will transfer all liquid SBD I have.

Thank you so much. We are incredibly grateful for the offer. At this point, that may not be necessary. We're even hoping to be able to return any gifts given already based on the potential for European Union Regulation compensation in these situations.

Sorry to hear this! Though I'm in Iceland I am unfortunately in the North and currently snowed in. But I'll keep an eye on your posts and if there's any way I can see to help I will jump in.

You're awesome @andrarchy, thank you!

That's a rubbish situation, I hope things get sorted for you.
Have you checked your travel insurance? Did you book on a credit card? If so check if they offer anything for flight delays.

Gah, tell me about it. We haven't checked into insurance/credit card benefits yet so thanks for that suggestion. There's some type of recourse through "European Unions Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004," but that would only apply if WOW Air admits that it was a fault outside of "weather conditions, political instability, unexpected flight safety shortcomings, security risks, or strikes." No one seems to have any information on the cancellation still.

I'm so sorry this happened, you two! Resteemed so more can see and upvote.

We really appreciate that. After the investment to go to SteemFest in the first place, this was not an expense either of us anticipated.

No worries! I'll also transfer the payout of my next post to one of you two. Look for it in about 5 hours. I hope it helps! Best of luck!

Oh wow, that is so generous of you! I hope we will be able to somehow have WOW Air reimburse the second flight (or find another affordable option), in which case we will return your gift. If not, we cannot possibly express our gratitude enough. THANK YOU!

My pleasure. I'm happy to be able to do it!

Unfortunately, my research on teleportation is not yet completed.
Meantime, I resteemed. Hope that help.

Teleportation is old school... The early star trek had it, perfectly cool to use in space.
Problem is that it doesn't work so well on earth... Take the movie "Fly" for example.
We could definetly teleport you 2 home, but you might end up, combined, or some shit like that

Seth Brundle, "The Fly" scientist, made his experience in 1986. He used assembly/disassembly technique because he was not aware of Quantum Teleportation, hence his tragic recombination.


We should allow @sharingeverybite & @shenanigator to give it a try.

Why not, could call it a research event. Attemting a non surgical bruce jenner... my bad caytlin jenner*
Could be revolutionary in the field

Lol you two. That made me chuckle. Not sure I'm ready to become one with @shenanigator. He'd probably be okay with the boobs, though. 😂

He'd probably be okay with the boobs, though.

This one made me rofl 😂


Avoid eating pizza if you plan to book a ticket for Teleportation ;)

lol

Hope you get home safe!

Thank you @steveit!

I'll offer to escrow a loan

Or maybe someone else may if that may help. Sure the community has ways to help you manage your situation. I'll offer to escrow a loan from some in the community. Then offer escrow to pay back from the community if interested. Being an Eagle Scout with a love of finance stuff, I'd be more than happy to help manage a solution. Anyone / everyone may let me know if this may be a thought to put into action.


Eat what you can from what you find if anything. Otherwise be sure to drink plenty of water. A the body can survive some time without food as long as it gets plenty of water. Maybe someone in the community may help get you food by mail or research too. Wish you the best!

Shared on twitter

We appreciate the thought. We've been overwhelmed by Steemians' generosity, so the loan probably won't be necessary.

Thankfully, we managed to find a generous local who was able to accommodate my long list of food allergies.

That's what community is for! :)

Steem_Land Steemland.com tweeted @ 16 Nov 2016 - 19:54 UTC

Current: Trapped in Iceland with After Being Screwed by WOW Air - HELP!
steem.link/0qVVO
@SteemUps @SteemitPosts @steemit @steemiobot

Disclaimer: I am just a bot trying to be helpful.

This sounds like a sick story to tell your grandchildren... now it of course sucks.

First thing to know... where exactly are you stuck?

I'm sure we will. Currently I'm just desperate for food, though. No one seems to understand the whole food allergies situation. 😞

We're currently in Iceland until the flight to San Francisco tomorrow, but from there we'll actually be stuck since we can't afford to book a flight at the last-minute rates.

Iceland is not just like a village... actually there are about 20 airports!

It´s Reikjavijk, I suppose?

Oh, duh. Haha. Yes, that's where we are.

ok now we are getting closer... which hotel? Far away from the City?

Trying to organize through some channels at least something to eat...

I really appreciate you trying to help. Thankfully, we found a generous local who managed to accommodate my long list of allergies.

Oh no way! I'm so sorry!! I wish I had more SP to upvote your post to heaven so you can pay for all the expenses. All I can do now is resteem and reshare in the chat channels :-?

Thanks @logic! Your support means a lot. Even if up votes can't pay for our trip back, the encouragement and suggestions really have lifted our spirits.

I've just noticed that I received small travel reimbursement from Steem Fest.
Re-transfering right to ya :-)

We are hanging onto hope that somehow Wow Air will reimburse the flight, in which case we will return your gift. I can't possibly express enough gratitude in this comment, though. THANK YOU!!

I've sent a small amount, I hope it helps a little <3

Everything helps, thanks! We're still hopeful we can get home affordably, and if we do, we'll return any gifts.

Just make sure you get home ok before worrying about returning the gifts <3

Aaw that totally sucks :/ Upvoted and good luck with getting home safe!

I appreciate it, thanks!

What a nightmare, guys! I hope you make it outta there soon. Hope people spam that upvote button.

Thanks @ezzy we hope so too!! Oh, to be back in our own beds.

That's probably related to the fact that you don't have a single ticket for the trip (that is thus shared across several companies). I am afraid that you should be ready for not getting reimbursed at all for the extra costs on the second segment of your stay as the company may claim they are only responsible to bring you to the final destination corresponding to the WOW ticket.

But maybe could you ask advices to @knozaki2015, he is an expert in flying!

I wish you good luck to go back to the states!

We had a feeling that might be the case. Fingers crossed we can petition for a 600 euro reimbursement since the flight was over 3200 miles and more than 12 hours later. No guarantees on that either, unfortunately (based on a European Unions Regulation). Thanks for recommending @knozaki2015...we briefly crossed paths at SteemFest, so we'll reach out on Rocket.Chat.

upvoted

Oh man, hope you guys get home safe; and SOON

Resteemed

Thank you @majes! Us too!

I ll resteem it and hopefully someone can help you guys out.

Thanks @skapaneas! We really appreciate it. Where there's a will, there's a way!

you are flying to san fransisco? I ve met another guy from there at steemfest Jon was his name.he might be at the same ground you are.
Hope everything can resolve fast.

Oh no, I hope the airline will apologize and cover all costs once this is looked through!

Let me know if I can help out with a loan or anything that would help make the process faster. I voted this up for more visibility and so that more readers can see it. Good luck!

We've talked to the airline and called around but unless some miracle happens, it doesn't look like they care about reimbursing other costs they caused by this change. Still holding out hope, though! Really appreciate your up vote as well.

Hi very sorry to hear!.

I didn't check yet but if Iceland Air is obliged to pay for delays by the EU law, than you would be eligible for 600 Euro compensation each.

before paying yourself ask iceland air to rebook you for free on any other airline

Once we figure out the flight situation tomorrow (and whether they'll help get us home in the first place -- as of right now, they've only referred us to the European Unions Regulations), we'll dig deeper into the compensation possibilities. Thank you for the advice! It would be great if another airline could take us straight to Phoenix and avoid this whole mess in San Francisco.

If possible please also update us on steemit.chat. I have no doubt we can get you two home.

We absolutely will. We'll probably write a special follow-up post thanking everyone who has supported us in this unexpected hour of need, and also share how we ultimately get home.

You Could try Traveler's Aid Society.
I've never used their service, but it may be of help or worth a call.

Thanks for that tip! Looking into that now.

Hey guys, I hope everything worked out ok for you but just in case anything else is needed I'm waging the sbd i received from the t-r-f for you to get home safely like the rest of is did!

Thank you @anduweb that is incredibly generous. I don't think we can possibly share our gratitude enough that everyone has come together to donate to our crummy situation. We're still looking into inexpensive options to get us home so we can return as much as possible. We'll keep you posted!

Oh no, what a horrible situation to be in!! I am so sorry and in general concerned that you are not able to eat. Let me know if you still need help I am happy to donate some steem dollars. Hope the situation be resolved soon!

Thanks for those kind words. I was in bad shape yesterday, to be honest. I was running on fumes after the week in Amsterdam and down to my last measly snacks, but ended up eating a salad that a local was able to deliver. Still had a mild allergic reaction, but it was necessary.

Looks like we will have the funds to get home now, but thank you for the offer to donate steem dollars! We never expected to receive these donations from anyone, but it has made an incredibly stressful situation manageable. We're still in shock that Steemians have donated their hard-earned money towards our situation. It's been a huge blessing!

I'm so glad you got everything sorted out in the end! Don't be shocked about Steemians wanting to help you guys out. Yourself and @shenanigator are an awesome couple that shouldn't have to go through that. Have a well deserved rest when you get back to Phoenix. Look forward to seeing you guys again real soon!

You're so sweet. :) I suppose shocked might not be the right word since it's no surprise everyone rallied together like this, but the volume of support was definitely unexpected. We're a little upset that anyone needs to take care of the situation other than the airline who caused it. But alas, these things happen.

@shenanigator and I are excited to reunite with everyone as well! Even if it means more travel troubles -- they'd be worth it! :) #SteemFest2017!!

WoW airlines finally caught up to us... I feel partly responsible for recommending the airline!
BTW I'll chip in for your emergency travel fund.. let me know if you two need anything in the SF area.

Omg not at all!! It was a great recommendation, which was part of the reason we were even able to go to SteemFest in the first place! We are overflowing with gratitude at the donations we have already received from Steemians, so I don't think anything else is necessary. We are still hoping to be able to return some of the gifts after exploring the compensation options provided by the European Union's Regulation.

So relieved to see that you have found some solutions. I was worried for you, but had nothing to suggest from this distance :-( Hope you're home safe soon

That's sweet of you @kiwideb. You have your own perils to worry about at the moment, too! The sentiment is appreciated... definitely has us in better spirits than yesterday!

Up voted and resteemit

In 2006, I rode the train from California to Texas and had my own little room for sleeping. Perhaps for the two of you, it would be roughly the same costs as the bus. Train should be reasonably fast and less exhausting.

Contact the US Embassy. They can loan you $300 or so and stamp your passport so that you must repay it else your passport becomes invalid. I did this once in the mid-1990s to get home from the Philippines when I was destitute.

Hey why are you complaining about that hotel room. It looks better than where I been living for decades. And even in 2006 when I had $100,000s in savings, I stayed at the Brendal Hotel which was/is worse than the hotel you have in this blog post.

Hey eat a little pizza, it won't kill you. Or go to the grocery and buy some raw vegetables to eat raw.

Thanks for the tip on the train, we'll look into that. (As for pizza, I actually would die...or at the very least end up in the hospital.)

Looks like you are gonna be sorted, enjoy the rest of your trip and safe journey

Wow, this sucks . I'm assuming there will be an update to this?

We'll be sure to post an update.

Might be a few days depending on what the return trip looks like, but we'll definitely post once we're finally home.

Will be a nice story to tell... :)

Absolutely! A true testament to the generosity and power of community here at Steemit. We are excited to tell the story (once we do make it home once and for all). Let's show the world just how great Steemit is! ...in case they doubted before. :)

Hi @sharingeverybite. You are one important Steemit community member! This is why, you are officially invited to learn more about our new curation model and to support it if you like our idea! One mention about this coming from you will help a lot! Please give us your feedback! Thank you!

Great to see the helpful community in action! Thanks to everyone! :)

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OMG! I found about it now with the post from t-r-f... Looks like everything is on track again right? Please let us know how everything is going. Good luck with the airline, they always want to win, bastards!

I'm really sorry to hear about your troubles getting home (especially the not having anything to eat part!) but the update to and comments on this post bring a tear to my eye. I adore this group of people that have assembled here.

Thanks @sneak! The end of this trip wiped us both out, but it fas far less sucky with all the love and support from Steemians. We could hardly believe the amount of comments and well wishes. (Not to mention donations!) We might still be in San Francisco without the help!