Looks like we may not make it home from SteemFest after all. Never thought this would happen, but it did. If anyone has advice, we are open to it. (UPDATE: Please see note at the end!)
So here's the sitch.
We booked our international flights through WOW Airlines. This particular airline only flies out of a few US cities, so we had to book a flight from Phoenix to San Francisco through another airline. It would have been the same situation (in reverse) coming home:- Amsterdam > Iceland (layover) > San Francisco (WOW Airlines)
- San Francisco > San Diego (layover) > Phoenix, AZ (Southwest Airlines)
When we got to Iceland, however...
WOW Air canceled the flight from Iceland (we suspect because not enough people were on it, but they have yet to provide the real reason). It was rescheduled it for 4pm local time tomorrow. In the mean time, we are stuck in a hospital-esque hotel where they plan to order pizza for dinner (and who knows what for breakfast -- they have no kitchen here.) They have no way of accommodating my food allergies, which means I will be without food for another 24+ hours. In case you missed the last post, I've been hungry for the majority of the time in Amsterdam already.Watch out, WOW Air, hangry (hungry + angry) Brittany is a force to be reckoned with.
Did I mention this "hotel" is actually an old military bunker turned hostel? We get two twin beds and have to share a bathroom with another room. Thanks, WOW.
The 24-hour delayed flight alone might not be that bad, except...
We now have to eat the cost of the Southwest flights. To rebook new flights would cost at minimum $360 each. That's even after searching every airline for the best deal.What about other methods of transportation?
We're trying to brainstorm any other possible way to get back because $360+ flights are not an option financially. Taking a Greyhound bus would be over $150 each, but take 3x's as long and we both need to be back at work. Similarly, renting a car is another option, but even more costly. If anyone has other thoughts, PLEASE let us know. We actually might be stuck in San Francisco.Disclaimer: Anything we earn from this post will go directly to getting home from SteemFest.
Update:
After unexpectedly receiving Steem & SBD donations from some unbelievably generous Steemians, we will now be able to make it home from San Francisco if WOW Air doesn’t refund the cost. If we do receive compensation via the European Union’s Regulation, or can otherwise find a way to pay for the travel, anything we have been given will be returned. We are also looking into any other inexpensive alternatives that will allow us to return the gifts. Both
and myself are overflowing with gratitude at the support and encouragement from the Steemit community in our hour of need. We will be sure to post an update on how exactly we got home when we finally arrive.