Like most of you guys, I'm punctual getting to the airport - I've seen it all.

HOWEVER, two thanksgivings ago, I drove to my mom's house, spent the night in anticipation of getting up early Sunday morning and flying to Hawaii with her (and meeting my sister and her friend on the way)...

So... I don't hear the alarm go off. I get up about 30 min before the flight is scheduled to leave. Mind you, this is the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and I'm supposed to fly to Hawaii.

Mom and I rush around and get dressed, and I'm on the phone with United trying to come up with something. There is a later set of flights, but it only has a few coach seats left and no award seats. I tell them it's my fault and I'll pay double miles to get those two seats.

No problem on the outbound. But my return, which I still hold two seats, has NO seats left to sell. They can't figure out how to get me two standard award seats AND re-use the saver award seats I already have on the return.

So, by this time we're driving to the airport (we slept through or scheduled van pickup). While on the way to the airport - United - all on their own - opened up two more award seats for my mom and I to go to Hawaii. Not only that, we got exit row seats and had no one else in our row - lots of room and a seat free between us. We got to sleep (OK - oversleep) an extra two hours, got there about 3 hours late and had a wonderful trip.

Doesn't always work out this well, but it keeps you loyal, for sure...

Billy