Shoe string Budget to flying Business Class

The song lyrics “Isn’t it ironic”  by Alanis Morissette are running through my mind as I write my last travel blog for this class and my travel adventures.   Budget – Budget – or even non existent budget was a large part of this trip.  Trying to cut ends and still have fun and “live” was the mission of not only this blog but this journey.

As I was feeling a bit sad as I continued my departing journey at Heathrow – London Airport, I stopped at Air Canada service agent to see how much it would be to upgrade to Business Class – yes, that is hilarious – being that I told myself  there was no way I was going to afford, little lone pay to upgrade my ticket.  I suppose it was a bit like going to Harrods, knowing that pretty much everything was out of my budget, but unable to avoid resisting the temptation to  “window shop” as in this case “just ask”. Quickly, my  fantasies were halted when I was informed it would be £736 ($1,332.00). I just smiled and said “No, thank you, I will pass this time”.  The agent responded, “ it is a lot of money”. I said, "it sure is”. I asked her what I needed to do to check my bag, since there were kiosks and clearly a different procedure than the domestic airports. She explained the procedure and asked if I had a reference number. I asked if I could use a flight number, she offered to provide me with a reference number, so I willingly waited. She asked for my name and was looking up my flight and said “this is odd, there is a seat change....... did you inquire about changing your ticket on line?” No. I continued to wait. I asked  is there a problem, she said no, let me just look here. I was thinking oh well, maybe my window seat is gone. Oh well, I will be at the aisle. Great, now I can get up at us the bathroom when ever I want and not disturb any  one. However, a few minutes later, her tone, and nonverbal clues were concerning me. I asked if there was a problem with my ticket, she said, (in her lovely, British accent)  "Oh, no that at all, madame you are going to be very pleased". It looks like your flight is full and your seat has been changed to business class”. I was like are you serious?  I thanked her many times, she said she had nothing to do with the change, she wish she had.  I was like wow. Is this real?  She handed me a scrap of paper with a reference number. I printed out my boarding pass and sure enough “BUSINESS CLASS” seat 5G  was right there in black near “Jill E. Baker”. 

I glided over to the area to drop off my bag and the lady smiled and tagged my bag and didn't even look at the scale. I was holding my breath, nothing like having to repack your bag right there at the counter. Then we got into a nice chat where Pret a Manger was located – my last meal from Pret!!  I had lots of time to find and switch to a different terminal to go to Pret. I was so excited I forgot I was sad for leaving some great ladies I met and a great trip.  After getting my sandwich, I counted my British money and had 5 pounds left… yes! I could get a treat after all those coffees and treats that I had been drooling over for weeks.  It was like  I was floating on Cloud nine (no pun attended.  Feeling high on the hog (as they say in Carolina).

Banana Mocha......yummy

As they called for priority Business Class passengers, I stood right up and walked to the gate. The agent informed the small group that gathered they were boarding Business class. I held my breath and was waiting for someone to pinch me and say this is a dream. She scanned my ticket smiled and said, "thank you madame, enjoy your flight".  I walked on board and felt like Jack Dawson on Titanic. I just pretended like I knew what I was doing and got my self situation and put the little black pouch that was on my seat in my bag and opened it inside the bag ( I had no idea what was in it)…. Wow – check out the fun stuff (minus the jam) that was part of a snack.

Being that I was full from lunch, and they just kept bringing me food, and more food. I ate and ate, like the hungry caterpillar. But  I did not turn into a beautiful butterfly at the end.  Kicking back and chillin’ for a international flight sure was one of those life never forget experiences.  Chillin in my flip our recline chair, watching Mary Poppin's in business class with down filled blanket and drink!

Our flight was delayed because a passenger bags were checked in but they never boarded so we had to go back to the gate and unload their luggage. Which unfortunately, caused me to miss my connecting flight.  I was offered a standby flight once I got to Toronto and was on pins and needles holding my breathe – 26 seats on the plane and at the last minute I got a seat. Praise the Lord. Otherwise the next flight was the next day, it would have been a long night.

What, I suppose it all comes down to. You never know when a surprise will be coming your way... sometimes it may be beyond your wildest imagination.