Thursday, December 20, 2007

Reservations Please?

We left for Singapore on the morning of the 16th and got to the airport in time to leisurely make our way to the plane. We got there early enough that we thought, Hey - we're flying a "Star Alliance" flight and Rich has Gold status on his frequent flyer miles with Lufthansa - a member of the Star Alliance. This means we can sit in the business class lounge, have a coffee and some breakfast. Well, THEORETICALLY, it means we should be able to. When we went to the Maldives, they told us we couldn't sit in there because we weren't flying with at Star Alliance Carrier. This time we were flying Jet Airways (See previous post) who is a member. We go to the lounge and the man turns us away because Rich's card is Lufthansa and we are flying Jet. We were so furious. Basically it comes down to - if they can save a buck they will anyway they can. The lounge is only valid for certain flights as they are preparing to board, not a Star Alliance lounge. we told them, "Anywhere else in the world, this would be honored." His response, "Yes, but here in Chennai we are different." NO KIDDING!
Anyway - we wait and then board our flight to Singapore. The pilot speaks to us as usual, but tells us the fasten seat belt sign will be on for most of the flight as we were going so see quite a bit of turbulence. Apparently the majority of the passengers felt this only applied to the other people, not them. I have never seen such an unruly group of people on a plane! They were constantly up and would wait until the attendant was 2 rows in front of them, buzz her and demand a soda. Not ask - they would say - Give me a Coke. She eventually informed one man, "If you wait 2 minutes, I will be right with you. I'm just serving the row ahead of you." Then it was everybody up and trying to get around the drink carts to use the toilet. (Did I mention this was economy class? - Not much room and the fight is only 4 hours!). All the while this was going on, the fasten seat belt sign was on as there were quite a few pockets of turbulence. Eventually the captain of the plane came back on and ordered everyone to their seats.
We got to Singapore and made our way to the hotel. At this point we're all tired and just want to unwind in the room and have some dinner. We go to check in and the lady looks and looks and looks again. I ask if there was a problem and she said, "I can't seem to find you in our system. Do you have your reservation confirmation?" We did, but I start panicking as I have no idea where we will find a room in Singapore the week leading up to Christmas! They had us sit in the lounge, and they worked something out and got us to our room apologizing for not being able to locate our reservation. She said they'd keep looking into why there seemed to be an issue. Turned out - They had entered us as arriving on Dec. 15th at midnight. Error on their part. Big sigh from me!
We settled into our room and Sophia put on her gift from the hotel - At Kuda Huraa she had the back pack. Since the lights theme was a "Fairytale Christmas" they gave her a PINK fairy dress with wings and a tiara. She was really pumped!
All in all - our stay at the Four Seasons was lovely and Singapore was a much needed break!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

We are a Brit family en route to Chennai later this year. I just thought that I would make contact with you in the hope that you can share some of your experiences with me in terms of moving a family out India – yikes!

We have 2 children a daughter currently 3.5 and a son 9 months.

We are both coming over for a familiarisation trip 9th – 15th March and if there is anything you think we should see/do/ask then I’d love to hear it as I am a complete novice at this ex-pat game! Also the current ‘nappy brain’ I am cultivating doesn’t help matters!

Thanks Emma

Stephanie said...

Hi Emma - There is so much to share and Frankly, I could fill pages about why to come and the things you may face. Feel free to email me and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. Keep in mind, my knowledge is pretty Madras specific, but again happy to help!

Stephanie