California here we come - The Prologue

Tradition. That's the word used to describe events with family or friends that take please week after week, month after month or year after year. Last year my friend Kevin and myself took two separate trips out to California to visit our friend Adam. He had moved out to California to live his dream of working in film and television. After much hard work and determination he has landed a job working as a Storyboard Assistant on the Cleveland Show, a spin off from the show Family Guy. Since we don't see him that much, being that he is on the other side of the country, we decided to fly out once a year and visit him.

Like I said, last year we went by ourselves. This year we decided it would be more fun to travel together and hang out while Adam was at work all week. We began planning two months ago. This included purchasing plane tickets, booking shows to see and all around activities to do while in California. While we were lining up our schedules and requesting time off from work we ended up missing a pretty good deal through Delta. $302 for a round trip ticket from DTW to LAX. Two days later, when all of our ducks were in a row, the price jumped to $450. We were forced to book with the cheapest airline out there. . . Spirit.

The total amount was $347, not as good as $302, but whatever. I booked the tickets and let the excitement build. I was able to get my sister to watch Maddie, my dog and make arrangements with my professors in college. Everything was coming together. I didn't have a care in the world and between you and me my mind was wandering at work. Not because I don't value my job, but because I have needed a vacation for quite some time now. Apparently plans only go on without a hitch in Disney Movies. Unfortunately, this is not a Disney movie.

Two days before our flight I received an email from Spirit stating the following,

Spirit Airlines is continuing to work with our pilot union to reach a fair and equitable agreement that ensures the long-term stability of the company, and allows us to continue offering you the ultra low fares you have come to know and love.

In the meantime, as of Saturday, June 12, 2010, the pilot union has declared a strike.

As a result, your flights on Thursday, June 17, 2010 for record locator LCUGHH have been cancelled. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Well I guess if they are sorry, it's okay!!! I was not pleased at all. I immediately scrambled to find another flight to Los Angeles. Nothing was reasonable. For the dates we wanted prices ranged from $550 to $800. For lack of a better vernacular, we were screwed. On a good note, I did buy trip insurance, in the event that our plans fell through. Although I soon found out that trip insurance refunds your money 3-4 weeks after you make your claim.

I see where this is going. They can take my money from my account within seconds of processing my flight, but when it comes to giving me money back, I'm the one who has to wait. Dealing with Spirit Airlines and the "wonderful" people at Cheap O Air dot com, was a horrible experience.

I was able to book a flight through Expedia for $447 per ticket, but we had to adjust the times that we flew as well as how many lay overs we have to make. What makes matters worse. I received yet another email from Spirit, the very next day. It read,

Spirit Airlines is pleased to announce that we're flying again with flights resuming Friday, June 18. We've reached a tentative agreement with our pilots that allows us to be successful for years to come and achieve our mission of continuing to bring you ultra low fares.

This was the prologue to mine and Kevin's epic vacation. I feel we are off to a great start. What do you think? Is my sarcasm translating over the internet nicely. ;) Just one day after they cancel my flight, they end the strike. This just made my day all sunshine and roses.

Oh well, it is in the part, kind of. I still need to collect that insurance money for the trip. Besides, come hell or high water we set out to see our friend Adam and we did. There are just some traditions that can't be stopped, replaced or forgotten.