Irony Can Be So Ironic

Funny, now, that in the same post in which I wrote such enthusiastic and complimentary things about United Airlines staff, I specifically mentioned the familiarity we all have with airlines losing our bags.

Because, sure enough, while I was writing that previous post during the final leg of my international Prague-to-Denver-to-Tucson trip ... my suitcase was left behind by United Airlines in Denver, and thus did not arrive in the Tucson airport when I did. It was, in fact, the only bag scheduled to be on that flight that wasn't put on the plane, meaning I was the only person left waiting at the baggage carousel at the end.

The nice — but clearly-trained-how-to-let-people-vent-without-engaging — representative explained that they had my bag, and it would be put on the next flight, arriving at 9:45 that evening. Too late, I was told, to have it delivered to me that night, unfortunately, "but we can bring it to you around lunchtime tomorrow."

Arrggh. I won't go through it all. Suffice it to say I was in my same clothes at the United counter when it opened Saturday morning at 5 am — not that big a deal, as I had been awake since 1:30 — to get my bag.

But it is odd. This is literally the third time in the last four international trips I've taken where my bag hasn't arrived with me. And adding to the indignity is that, as a result of my advanced frequent-flier-club membership, United representatives are always excited to carefully place the orange "Priority" tag on my bags when I check in. It's not clearly what the benefits of that tag are, exactly.

David at 5:10 am walking out of United's Lost Luggage office.
Notice that shiny orange "Priority" tag!

Tucson airport is not a hubbub of activity so early.

Ah well. I guess I should just assume it's going to happen, now, and allow myself to be pleasantly surprised when the bag happens to appear on time after all.

Still. For the airline to be losing my bag as I write a post congratulating them for their superior customer service is an entertaining irony.

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On a happier note, I made a point of going to Le Buzz, my favorite Tucson breakfast place, with my friend Anne, at my first real opportunity, and I took some photos and a video to make you all jealous. As it happened, I resisted the temptation the pastries represented and satisfied my hunger with a simple (but delicious) omelette and coffee, but ... it wasn't easy. 😊

My choice: Southwestern Omelette with guacamole and sour bread toast

Sated, Anne and I headed out into the beautiful Tucson sunshine (though it was still early morning, so still cold). Making this trip wasn't necessarily part of the plan, but leaving the Central European winter for the 75-degree Arizona sun wasn't too difficult.