Flight Centre - Why I would never use them again

Aside from the fact that they claim they are the cheapest even though they are not..

I used Flight Centre Berry Square for the planning of my 15 flights on this trip. The staff are nice enough and in general really want to help, I just don't think that they have the capacity to do their job to it's fullest potential. I would HATE to be in any situation where they actually had to THINK or investigate anything to fix a problem.

My flight number and time did not match up while I was in Greece. The ticketed details were incorrect, although on the internal system they showed up as correct. They don't have internet, or don't use it (they could check the BA website to confirm the issue) because the whole concept of this was too hard for them because their system is infallible (Of course! what was I thinking).

This is not the main issue as I fixed it with the airlline after a lot of international calls (yeah, don't think I will be getting that money back) it is the attitude and investigation of Flight Centre staff that concerns me. The general tone coming back is that you are stupid, don't know how to travel, have no idea (I have only been travelling since 2 years of age, have lost count of destinations, have a father that worked for Qantas for 33 years...what would I know? Not much..)

My recommendation, pay more, get better service, if you feel like they don't know how to handle a difficult or complicated booking, walk away.

Don't even bother going to Flight Centre Berry Square unless you want to hear a whinge about how tired they are from travelling (poor dears), how complicated your booking is or that they are "confused". The golden comment when talking about changing flights, "you can change your flights overseas, just go into a store"...um 5 continents, 6 weeks...are you on drugs or just lazy?

Oh, and don't bother with Customer Relations, they aren't really interested in customer resolution or feedback on issues as I have recently found out...I got talked over and yelled at. Nice. Funniest part, my real problem was not the issue with the tickets, it was the response I received via email and the fact that an employee that I asked not to be involved in my travel details was included on the response.

And if you think I am whinging (which clearly I am) when I got a good deal (which in reality I did). My flights cost me $6100 so I think I am entitled to be a bit miffed. Yes people, that is how much it costs to travel 5 continents and then chuck in Namibia because I could not include it in the ticket.

Rant ended.

Home Day 45

Another early start, 6am onto a plane with the knowledge that this would be the last flight in a while (thank goodness). 3 hours seems like nothing when you have done so many flights in such a short space of time.

I arrived into Sydney Airport and tried to use my phone which was still barred...typical Optus. Found Zoe and then headed upstairs with perfect timing for Jo to pick us up from Departures. Had some coffee and a chat before starting to unpack. I have the overwhelming urge to clean...I am a little mental but have already started on the fridge and am just about to get stuck into the bathroom.

So that is the holiday of a lifetime over. So much goes unsaid and I wish I were better at writing down how I feel about all of this. Let's just say I am a better talker in person for those that know me may testify.

The end..for now ;)

Auckland Day 44

Arrived at Craig and Lucy's place and woke them up at the crack of dawn...6am. Got to meet little Luka who is absolute darling, lots of hugs and kisses. Plenty of laughs then I had to have a little nap, just an hour to get me through to lunch time.

The Kotze's and Bevo's turned up as well as another friend Tash for a wonderful lunch. It was great seeing everyone after so long and enjoying a meal together. Lots of chatter, kids running around and a bit of champas to boot. I think the cake may have done me in in the end...after everyone had left I was determined to stay up until at least 10pm...which became 9, and I lost the fight at 8 and went to bed. It was a wonderful day and I was really glad to have been able to see everyone in one hit.

Fort Worth to Auckland Days 42 - 43

In the air, enough said? Watched Iron Man on the plane, limited options after so many flights. Not as bad as I thought it would be. Flight was pretty good. Wow, I am a literary marvel!

Fort Worth Day 41

Well I guess this is it for the US of A. I head out this afternoon, finally the skies have cleared and it is a lovely day outside. I should be sitting by the pool but am still contemplating this option..yes, I think it should be done. So I will head off for a quick sojourn before my departure on a two day adventure to NZ (I lose a day due to time zones) sniff sniff...

Ange came home so we went out to lunch at a gourmet market. Lovely sandwiches, pizza's. Pretty much anything that you want you can get at this supermarket, wonderful stuff. Went to Target to get some pain killers as I feel horrid then came home for a swim and we are now heading to the airport.

Fort Worth Day 40

Woke up at 7.50 to the sound of electric buzz cutters...nice. Why could they not have waited until the afternoon? Today we are going to head into Dallas, not sure where yet but I have no doubt it will be great if the rain holds out.

So we did the walk through the mall looking at dresses and the like before stopping for some lunch. I feel like I have walked myself into the ground on this trip and am starting to need a break. Trying on clothes is by far my least favourite thing to do. I found the perfect dresses in NY but did not buy anything...I must have a mental block when it comes to shopping these days. Perhaps a good thing I think.

After a quick reprieve in the afternoon Angela and I headed out to dinner at Reata Rooftop (means rope in Spanish I am told) had tamales, salad, mojito's and chocolate pud for desert. Lovely meal and great atmosphere. We headed out for a walk around the block and there was a band playing. Grabbed a beer and watched people with cowboy hats and girls all dressed up walk past. Angela and I laughed as she asked me "digyallit" aka did you all eat? This came about as I was taking off the country singers as they always whine about a dead cat/dog or the girl leaving them etc...very funny stuff indeed.

Home now and will have to pack in the morning for one of the final flights...home soon.

New York - Dallas/Fort Worth Day 39 - 40

Woke up at 8am...yuk, very tired. Jumped in a cab to Macy's to look for a dress. Found the perfect one....1 size too small, darn chest grrrrrrrr. Contined to walk to midtown and then got another cab to the b&b and then walked downtown still looking for a dress, came up trumps but it was $410....it didn't happen.

The sad news is that I have left NY with no shoes. I think my priorties have shifted somewhat but I do feel sad that I didn't get one pair as my shoes at home have seen their last in a big way. Life could be a lot worse. One thing I am realising from this trip is how extremely fortunate and blessed I am compared to most. God is amazing in what he has given me.

I am now at La Guardia and heading to Dallas where I am sure Angela is getting more excited by the minute...will write more later.

Arrived in Dallas to rain, looks like it will rain the whole time I am here. Tops. Angela is taking half day's off work though so that is really good as we will get more time to spend together. Went for dinner at a Mexican place with one of Angela's friends Carol who is quite lovely. Came home, chilled out and then headed to bed.

Woke up this morning and started to go through my bags for washing etc and decided I should back up some more photos. Well, I have been crying for about half an hour. I am dumb and I hate the transport authority in America. I backed up my whole hard drive to an external one and someone in customs or American Airlines has stolen it from my bag. I should have carried it on board but was so tired I forgot. Words can't describe how angry I am right now. It is every photo I have ever taken before this trip gone because I have removed them from my computer as well, I know some are backed up to disc at home, but a hell of a lot aren't.

Angela and I headed out to have a look at a museum and the Botanic Gardens which was lovely. Had a look at some shops and then headed to dinner with some of her friends which is always nice, then off to a massage around 9pm...very nice indeed.