AND FINALLY: Getting the paperwork right

Business Travel News has over the last period run a series of AND FINALLY highlighting the problems of getting away for a summer holiday.  We said that “Last of the summer’s wine” would wrap it up.

And so we thought.

But no.

We now learn of an energetic couple in their early 70s who decided to take their eight year old grandson away for the weekend. 

The young lad and his passport were borrowed, together with an authorisation note, the tickets booked and arrival made at the airport in plenty of time.

Only one thing was overlooked.  Since it was a domestic flight, rather than international, no passport details were required in the booking.  All that was needed was the passenger’s name.

Sadly the sometimes forgetful booker was not thinking properly at the time of reservation. 

Payment was made and confirmed in the grandparent’s name.  The young master was the daughter’s son and with a different moniker.

“Sorry cannot do”, said the check-in staff.  “Talk to the sales desk, I am sure they can sort you out”.

And Menzies, agents for Flybe at Gatwick, did just that at no charge.  The grandparents were very pleased they were not flying with a certain Irish airline!

The moral of the story is once again check all the paperwork before flying.

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