I'm usually good in travel planning, which I've learned after many bad experiences, like losing international flights, paying more for my luggage then for myself or buying a return ticket for a month after I needed it.
Unfortunately today I'm doubting my travel know-how, as I lost my flight from Napoli to Brussels AFTER checking in on time.
My flight was at 14h55. As I checked in, I was informed it had been delayed to 16h10. So i went to have lunch near the boarding area entrance. Around 15h15, i heard my name being called on the announcements. I ran like crazy, passed by security and arrived to my boarding gate. No one was there.
I ran outside to Brussels Airlines' ticket counter: nobody. Ran to the ticket office: a giant line. I then went to the information center, where a very cranky old lady informed me I should have kept an eye on the departure, as my plane had been ANTICIPATED. She also informed me there were no plans to Brussels on this day anymore.
Great. I run again to the ticket counter to find out where was my luggage, since I didnt board the plane. I was told someone would come bring me in the luggage pick up area.
As I wait I find out there is a flight from another company to brussels. I would have to fly to Rome and then to Brussels, arriving there at midnight. All that for the very special priçe of 400 euros. Tickets for the next day are the same price.
I was very disappointed to spent a big chunk of the money I made the night before on this stupid mistake. And it was not my mistake. If the airline changes a flight time to later, they should inform the customer of the possibility of it being anticipated.
Anyway, I'm more travel-savvynow - and I hope you are as well! ☠