Flying Solo

If you've travelled internationally more than once, your chances of having your luggage lost are about 50/50. If you've travelled into the US from a different country, the chances that you'll be the last one standing at the luggage carousel sans your physical baggage are exponentially greater. I'd say one in five, three even in some cases.

I, myself belong to that fantasy Facebook group. The one that leaves you wide-eyed and stunned at the lack of concern from airport staff who couldn't care less that you're in a foreign country without your toothbrush and the balance of your chronic medication. Don't look so surprised, we can't be spotted simply by our lack of physical baggage, our emotional baggage still weighs down on us and in spite of that we still walk amongst you. Its a bit like being a smoker in this day and age. There's a body language that we speak, unbeknownst to the millions of non smokers to whom it doesn't translate.

Swapping airline stories is one of the first ways to connect to a fellow traveller. I've heard all kinds of stories and complaints but can't think of anyone who's made any impact on the staff that just pass out some call center number and tell you there's nothing more they can do to help you. Except one man. He made his case loud and clear and...decided to tune the airline about customer service.

A Canadian musician decided to rage against the United Airline machine and accused them of breaking his prized guitar in transit. Cry them a river? Not this guy. He wrote a song about his experience in the spirit of sweet revenge and it goes a little something like this...

Dave Carroll was inspired to compose "United Breaks Guitars" after his Taylor acoustic arrived at Chicago's O'Hare airport looking like it had already done the Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana reunion tour. True to airline form, months went buy without any compensation for the damage done to his prized possession. Until the song. Covered extensively by American and Canadian media, the travelling musician has done his part to speak our against the wrongs of society today. Its a modern day Lennon and Yoko ditty.

Is it a best seller? Time will tell if Dave's story will go platinum but a spokesperson from United Airlines did have this to say..."his video is excellent, and we plan to use it internally as a unique learning and training opportunity to ensure that all our customers receive better service." Side stepping? Maybe but once the Americans get hold of it, it'll without a doubt, become the new Bart Man.

So have a listen...and remember, when next someone pisses you off, don't put it in writing, put it to music.




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