Charleston International Airport’s Post

When Policies Overshadow Compassion: My Experience with Air Canada Recently, I experienced the sudden loss of an immediate family member—a devastating event that required me to cut short a vacation to travel home. In my grief, I acted swiftly to be with my family, prioritizing their need for support and my own need to mourn. I didn’t think to contact Air Canada at the time. The urgency of loss leaves little room for navigating websites or deciphering policies buried under layers of links. Upon returning home, I submitted the required documentation, including the original death certificate, as soon as it arrived. This process took time, as I live abroad and the logistics of grief do not align with corporate timelines. When I reached out to Air Canada to request consideration for this extenuating circumstance, I was met with unwavering adherence to policy. I was told the website is "clear." But clarity on a website is not the same as empathy in action. Clarity does not console a grieving traveler or address the challenges of acting within strict policy frameworks during a time of emotional chaos. Instead of human connection, I was met with policy regurgitation. Rather than engaging with me as a person who traveled across borders in a time of loss, I was treated like a transaction. I am a single mother who, like many, finds airfare costs difficult to bear. Compassion from a company of Air Canada’s scale could have gone a long way—not just for me, but for the many customers who face personal emergencies while traveling. This experience has highlighted a systemic issue: when customer service becomes a fortress of inflexibility, prioritizing adherence to policy over human decency. In times of grief or crisis, we don’t need more rules—we need understanding. I’m sharing this not just to express my own disappointment, but to urge Air Canada and other airlines to consider the real people behind the tickets. Let’s aim for customer care that doesn’t leave us feeling like cattle, but instead reminds us that our humanity is acknowledged, even in difficult times. To those of you reading this: have you faced similar experiences with rigid travel policies? I would love to hear how you navigated them. Together, perhaps we can advocate for change in an industry that could use more compassion. #AirCanada #BereavementTravel #CustomerServiceMatters #HumanFirst #CompassionInCrisis #CorporateResponsibility #DoBetter

Navigating recovery can be challenging, especially when it involves travel. That's why Brad and I offer sober companion services through A Time to Heal: Family Interventions. Whether you're transitioning between treatment facilities, traveling home, or on the move for other reasons, having a sober companion by your side can provide the support, accountability, and guidance you need to stay on track. In my blog post, we discuss how our sober companions help maintain healthy habits and ensure safety during these critical journeys. If you or a loved one is on this path, consider the invaluable support we can provide. Read more about our services and the benefits of sober travel companions here: https://lnkd.in/ecTD2RmN #RecoveryJourney #SoberCompanion #AddictionRecovery #StayStrong

What if...? No one wants to dwell on the "what if" when it comes to vacation. Put your mind at ease so IF something happens, you're covered. There are multiple events that can happen outside of your control: fires (Maui), hurricanes, airline delays (3+ hours) and cancelation, sickness (kids and elderly), lost luggage, broken bones, death, etc.. Don't let the negative turn your vacation into a nightmare financially. Travel protection is there to help with unforeseen expenses. Whether you've booked with or not, I can provide travel protection for you! #sugarbeanadventures #travelmorein24 #travelprotection #protectyourinvestment

Going on vacation and worried about your home's safety while you're away? 🏡✈️ Don’t worry – we've got you covered! 😌 Here are some practical tips to keep your home secure while you’re away. 💼 #VacationVibes #HomeSecurity #SafeTravels #TravelTips #SecureHome #Homeinsurance #susankirkrosalesstatefarm #susansaves #SalineMI

The QBE Insurance Foundation announces $40,000 grants for 2024 to support climate resilience and inclusion projects, including efforts to protect endangered species and create Miyawaki Tiny Forests. https://hubs.la/Q02ZBdjL0

Discover how Berkshire is tackling fog's challenges while protecting residents, the economy, and ecosystems. Learn about coordinated efforts and future preparedness!

Stop trying to manage transportation stress alone! 🤗 Instead, just focus on involving family support in transportation decisions. 🚗👨👩👧👦 The rest will take care of itself. 🌟 Share if family plays a role in your travel plans! #FamilySupport #SafeTransport #NEMT #MedicalTransportation #VenturaMedicalTransport #DialysisTransportation #SoCalMedicalTransport #ReliableMedicalTrans #VeteranTransport #TransportationMatters #ReliableTransportatioin

🚨 Travel Alert: Major Outage Affecting Flights and Reservations! 🚨 Attention travelers! 🌍✈️ There’s a significant travel outage impacting flights, bookings, and more right now. Here’s what you need to know: 🔹 What’s Happening: Widespread disruptions in flight schedules and reservation systems 🌐 Delays and cancellations affecting major airlines and travel agencies ⏳ Tips and solutions for navigating the chaos and what you can do if you’re affected 🛠️ 👉 Head over to our YouTube channel for a detailed breakdown of the situation, live updates, and expert advice on how to manage your travel plans during this outage! Watch the full update here Don’t let the travel troubles catch you off guard—click the link: https://lnkd.in/dpZqyFGq stay informed, and make the best of your journey! 💼✈️ Subscribe to stay updated on the latest travel news and tips! 📰🔔 #TravelAlert #FlightDisruptions #TravelNews #YouTubeUpdate #StayInformed 👉 Watch the full video here Don’t miss out on these amazing insights—click the link and join the conversation! 💬👀 #LinkedInToYouTube #ExploreHistory #SubscribeNow

When travelling for Christmas to visit family, or go on a well earned vacation, the last thing you want is a migraine attack adding to the joys and stress of your journey. So here are some tips to help prevent a migraine attack whilst travelling this festive season. Happy holidays and safe travels! #migraine

Reflection Needed Yesterday, I was part of an insightful 90-minute discussion on evolving medical assistance services. Ironically, just hours later, a real-world crisis tested our theories when two German tourists, clients of Compass Point Assist, were stranded in Porto Alegre, Brazil due to severe flooding. The local airport's closure and the dire scarcity of basic necessities put these travelers in a precarious position. Furthermore, the climate has turned the flood waters into a breeding ground for diseases, escalating the urgency of their situation. Their insurance only covers emergency medical care, not evacuation due to natural disasters, highlighting critical gaps in policy coverage. Despite these constraints, we provided immediate, non-medical assistance and are scheduled for another check-in call later today, hoping that communication networks hold. This challenging situation prompts us to consider: - The need for broader insurance coverage that aligns with the unpredictable nature of global travel today. - The effectiveness of pre-travel warnings and how they can be improved to better prepare travelers for such events. - The evolution of medical assistance companies to broaden their spectrum of services, recognizing their own limitations and the importance of strengthening their networks. As industry professionals, we must advocate for comprehensive policies that address the real-world challenges faced by modern travelers. This incident not only reflects the immediate need for policy revision but also calls for assistance companies to enhance their service capabilities in response to a changing world. #Brazil #Flooding #TravelInsurance #MedicalAssistance #EmergencyAssistance #TravelAssistance #PolicyReform #TravelSafety