CAL 'mix up'

THE EDITOR: Exactly two weeks ago on December 14, I accompanied a relative to a doctor’s appointment in Trinidad. Although the appointment was for 1 pm, we opted for an early flight and got to the doctor’s office at approximately 9 am.

Since we were from Tobago, his secretary called him at home and informed him we were there. He very kindly passed in at that office before going to another location where he was expected. He dealt with my relative expeditiously and we were able to return to the airport by 10.10 am.

And then the drama began.

Enquiring at the Caribbean Airlines desk for Tobago of the possibility of an earlier flight, we were informed of the iniquitous $50 charge to change a flight and then we would be stand by passengers. We followed the instruction and returned to the Tobago desk. We were then told we should come back at 10.40 am when we would be issued boarding passes. So said, so done. With boarding passes in hand, we proceeded through the security check and sat waiting for our flight.

The flight was announced, and we advanced for boarding. But, to our amazement, we were asked to "hold on." So, we obediently "held on" as the flight was boarded. When we questioned the clerk, she said there was a mix-up but we were not on the flight. Then the folks locked up their plane door and the flight departed. And we were left there, boarding passes in hand. An apology was offered by the inside counter staff who all looked slightly embarassed, and we were told we would be accommodated on the next flight.

Although I was livid with rage, I was well brought up and did not give anyone the tongue lashing deserved. My question is that as a citizen of this country and a senior citizen at that, I do not expect to be treated in this contemptuous way. If a boarding pass is issued, does that not indicate that a seat on the plane has been reserved for you? Did someone wish to put on a friend or a relative? What happened?

As a former public servant from the era when public servants worked, I feel pained when I experience poor and shabby service. The attitude that people can slip on friends, relatives or their "pardners" is characteristic of a "banana republic" and I was under the impression (rapidly fading of course), that I lived in a civilised country.

However, I continue to hope and pray for the best. Just let us all be aware that one of the measures of development is how the very young and senior citizens are treated.

L Phillip, Lowlands