Thai-Kiwi

[Off the (specific) topic]

Once also for me, back in 1995. Booked to fly on SQ AKL-SIN-BKK to catch-up with Mrs and kids already in Thailand. They were booked on SQ, hence my arrangements so we could return together.

In those days SQ flew a triangular route on some days SIN-CHC//CHC-AKL//AKL-SIN. The aircraft was unserviceable on approach into CHC. The information was made available to departing pax at AKL early in the checkin process. The departures area soon became very busy as SQ local staff at Auckland were trying to manage the consequences of the delay.

I intercepted a staff member, explained I was checked through to Bangkok, and could I be place on the THAI 'direct' flight that was also departing, somewhat later (via technical stop in SYD or BNE -- I forget).

I was surprised to be escorted to the side of the SQ customer service queue, and had my SQ flights "endorsed over to TG" (or similar words) in a very short time, given some printouts and told to go to the TG checkin.

All worked well, and saved me an overnight in Singapore as well. I assumed that doing this saved SQ the cost of a hotel night. I assume it was also a less complicated time, at least in the sense that it seemed local airline staff had authority to make these kinds of decisions.