How wonderful! Glad this all worked out well.

that's pretty amazing team work. The universe wanted to give you a present to make up for its past treatment.

The world really is full of wonderful people!

Your passport was found by a knitter who is a great fan of yours and went to great lengths to make sure that you would get it back, bartering every single favour credit he or she had with colleagues, but hey! This is the only reason Air Canada would provide such good service, since they usually have no service at all.

That is so amazingly wonderful. I don't know if it is stress or hormones or what, but I totally almost cried for you. Good job Air Canada!

WOW, that is awesome!!! Karma works both ways: be nice, get nice. So glad you didn't have to move the massive machine.

So great that you got your passport back! I'd have missed seeing you in Portland... Air Canada folks are super, I think! I've always been a fan.

Wow! That's some impressive customer service! You are LUCKY!

That's wonderful! An airline in the US once tracked down my little sister's beloved teddy bear for us. Nice people do exist!

That's some impressive flying karma you got going on there (probably from all the times people hassled you about knitting on a plane). Congrats!

Karma, alignment of all the stars, guardian angel, beneficence of the gods, good luck - or all of these! Sometimes the world just goes your way. So glad it all worked out and that we get to see you in the US!

That's amazing. And amazingly wonderful!!

What a great story! You made my day. Never underestimate the possible goodness lurking around in strangers.

i love heartwarming stories about people being awesome! thank you for sharing.

"on the mouth (with tongue)."

Snort.

We are bombarded every day with stories of how evil, foul and stupid we human beings are (also those gray aliens...). Thank you for sharing this story of good people treating others well. It's my opinion that there are more of us like the later than the former. Earthlings anyway, I cannot speak for the gray aliens.

What a lovely thing to find out that somewhere in the midst of a giant corporate machine there are still real, kind, thoughtful humans, lurking quietly in the shadows, waiting to do something wonderful.

I too was going to say the finder was a knitter. However, as often as you have been flying the past few years, someone likely recognized you and took it from there. We should all learn from this that if you treat people they way you would like to be treated, they will knock themselves out to be nice to you in turn.

Not just nice, but knit-worthy. Every once in a while, just when you think that the world is a dark and cold place inhabited only by careless, thoughtless and cold-hearted people, you find out that it isn't. That there are real people with real hearts and souls that care about others. And isn't it lovely when you meet them? Just like turning the corner and finding a unicorn or a pixie on the sidewalk in front of you, huh?

Go Air Canada!

I'm so glad you got your passport back and all went well. What a relief it must have been.

Now let's see if a similar miracle works on behalf of the camera cable. But at least that's replaceable.

Oh my gosh. That story makes me incredibly happy. I love when life just works out like that! YAY! What also makes me happy--the fact that you posted! I hit my Google Reader thinking "I could really use a YH post right now." And there it was!!! Thanks :)

I've never flown Air Canada, but if they're an option in the future I will!

That is a level of customer service you just don't see every day. I'm glad you got your passport back!

That's some spectacular customer service right there. I hope you got their names - I'd write a nice note to their supervisors for going above and beyond.

I have to say, if I were flying and chatting with you or Cat I would probably leave all my stuff behind. How can anyone be expected to remember little things like passports in a situation like that?

THAT is awesome! Air Canada just got a big thumbs up in my book! When I fly to Canada, no question who I'll go to first. Thanks for the endorsement! So glad to know you'll be at Rhinebeck with us!!

Wow the knitting gods were apparently hard at work!

That was the Knitting Goddess's way of repaying you for knitting all those baby things for Jen & keeping us entertained all the while.

wow! It is truly a miracle and a triumph of human spirit...and see Karma is sweetheart actually :)

All I have to say is WOW.

That's the sort of thing that reassures me we really will be alright....though I might have to move to Canada.

Wow! As a former travel agent, I'm really impressed. I don't want to make AC sound bad, but that was actually individuals, not a corporation that made it happen.

Thanks for sharing - is it a bad sign that I teared up a little bit at the 'standing there with your passport when you got off the plane' bit?

Oh, man, this totally reminded me of a scene from Back to the Future 3. You know, where Marty is standing there in the rain, having just watched the Doc get struck by lightning and a car drives up..... A man gets out (also in a rain slicker, by the way) and hands Marty a letter that explains EVERYTHING. At leat Air Canada didn't have to hold onto your passport for 80 years!
:-)

Don't you love it when people understand the meaning of caring and customer service. You made my day, no matter who annoys me tonight at work I will know there are still people out there who care about each other and go the extra mile.

So, those nice people ALSO averted a sobbing meltdown I may or may not have had at Rhinebeck when I realized you weren't there. I mean, driving there from VT is nice, leaving my children with their very capable other parent is nice, and the fact that my knitter friend is coming is great. But we all know why I am REALLY going.

Thanks Air Canada.

karma!

If only Air Canada operated flights in the UK ... here it's more about passengers as a means to an end, and the end is a profit: little belief that some people would pay some more for some better service. But the some reduces to financial sums and we are the worse for it.
Cheers Air Canada, let me know when you launch European flights from the UK
xxx
ps It's a shame Michael O'Leary doesn't knit, nor know anyone who knits ... actually I could have just said "It's a shame Michael O'Leary"

I would say "only in Canada" but then a dozen people will tell stories about very nice people in the US airline industry. And I have a "VNP" story of my own... of course, it was before 9/11... I haven't flown much since then... and the same airline who let me get off AND GOT MY LUGGAGE OFF 1 stop early also left my husband in the airport overnight in Chicago because it was SUPPOSED to SNOW (Hint-- we get more than 250 inches of snow a year. From October to May, it SNOWS) and then tried to charge him for "changing his flight."

Maybe it is only in Canada.

That is an amazing story. It is acts of kindness like this one that remind me that the world isn't always a horrible place.

That's pretty amazing and wonderful in this day and age.

Stephanie, how much do you pay that fairy godmother sitting on your shoulder? It must be a fortune to have the sort of luck you have. :)

That is an amazing story! I'm betting somewhere in the chain of Air Canada employees there is a knitter or two.

You are one really fortunate lady......
I was in Thunder Bay on Thursday and visited a great LYS - Thread in Time, on Victoria St. Check it out, folks! And you lucky TBers already know about it!!

I had a similar horror story without a happy ending. I put my Kindle in the seat pocket on a plane, and forgot it. It never turned up. I feel what you went through, because that described how I felt. I am SO GLAD it worked out for you. Air Canada sounds terrific!

Wow. Just wow.

Air Canada is the best! I left my iPod in the seat pocket after a flight from London to Toronto, and they mailed it to my house in New York. I'm glad to hear everyone at Air Canada is that nice.

From now on, I'm flying Air Canada any chance I get. Period. That sort of customer service earns my dollar every time.
(Glad everything turned out alright, travel safely!)

That is AWESOME. I'm so glad it worked out! Also, should I ever be so lucky as to visit Canada, I'll definitely fly Air Canada (despite the pretzels).

And that - that is (or should be) the epitome of Canadian-ness. What a lovely story. Thanks for the day-brightener.

What a wonderful story; I was sitting here eating my lunch, reading this entry and I almost started to cry for you. I'm so glad this turned out well.

I think you Canadians are just way extra nice like that.

Just when you start to believe customer service is a lost art...someone comes through big time. So glad you got it back. I never like that "sinking feeling"! Safe travels. Wish you were coming to Charlotte, NC again!

Lovely. Great story! I once lost my diamond ring on an Alaska Airlines flight into Fairbanks. Amazing thing number 1--It showed up at Lost and Found in Seattle. Amazing thing number 2--A flight attendant hand carried it from Seattle to Fairbanks for me the next day. Wow, many thanks to all good people who work for airlines, and for their cleaning crews as well.

I love this. I've never been to Canada before (yeah, yeah) but this would make me want to fly Air Canada whenever possible. So great!

I can only gasp in amazement and utter "what a story." Not sure an American airline would have done that -- how very very considerate.

Too bad you can't make them one huge sock.

If I ever, ever get a chance to book a flight in/to Canada I will do so with them now. Absolutely incredible. Well done! And thank heavens for good people (and that includes you, Stephanie).

Wonderful! It's good to know there are still kind and caring people out there, willing to go the extra mile for another.

Good grief, that's not a miracle, that's a conversion experience. What religion is Air Canada? Failing that, I know a Greek priest's wife who could supervise -- the food's better, too.

I could feel your panic about your passport - I had the same type of panic attack when I was heading onto my first cruise ship without my passport. I knew that I had it with me when I had checked in at immigration in the cruise terminal, but I didn't have it to get onto the ship. Thankfully some kind person had found it in the security bin and I heard my name being called just as major panic was starting to hit. I was able to retrieve the passport and continue onto the ship and a fantastic vacation.

Also, as the proud mother of an Air Canada pilot (he's my youngest child), I can personally attest to the kindness and professional actions of most Air Canada personnel. I'm glad you were the lucky beneficiary of that.

fantastic good news, go team Canada (my son lived two years in Vancouver, a happy time surrounded by relaxed people). Stephanie, I know where you could store your cameracable, in the green folder with your passport.

That is TRULY impressive!!!!
The panic, normal. The response of Air Canada...Extraordinary!

Wow wow wow! That is the awesome. Yay Air Canada!

Holy moly, Steph. That's just incredible! As a US citizen who's *had it* with US flight carriers (the latest stunt, for instance, was kicking a lesbian off a plane for kissing her girlfriend...thanks, Southwest, for that awesome moment of homophobia), your experience remind me that not all air travel is bleak and rotten and petty.

Maybe we should knit their employees mittens or hats or something awesome to reward them for their extraordinary kindness. Also, can't wait to see you in Boston!!!

What are the odds that the person who found your passport is a knitter/reader? I'm just thinking that if I worked for the airline, I would totally be like - OMG - Yarn Harlot's passport! Must return directly to her! KnowhatImean?!

Holy Crap! This would NEVER happen with ANY airline in the U.S.

Another reason for you to be glad you live in Canada!

Wow. One more nice thing to write about on Canada Day.

Wow, they're good!

I think your family just has good passport karma, I think I remember a blog post where your hubby Joe got his passport in a tight situation because everyone understands "mothers".Yeah Air Canada.

Air Canada just got my vote for airline of choice if I ever do get to Canada.

They rock!

Air Canada just got my vote for airline of choice if I ever do get to Canada.

They rock!

I needed to hear a story like this today. I love it when your faith in humanity can be restored :)

The universe was smiling on you instead of laughing at you.

Just adding my "hear, hear" to all those WOWS, etc. above me! :)

What a great story. So happy your trip to KnitEast didn't end with a lost camera cable AND a lost passport. I enjoyed your talk Saturday night immensely and your class on Sunday, too. I hope St. Andrews treated you well.

Fabulous!

Rams, you'd be surprised at how many people come for the food and end up staying for the rest of their lives.

It's nice to read a story with a happy ending once again proving that there are lovely people in the world. And I'm glad to hear that you will be at Rhinebeck-looking forward to purchasing your book and meeting you once again.

I'm sitting here with tears of joy for you and for the niceness of some people. Give us her name and we'll kiss her on the mouth (with tongue) on your behalf.

WOW! I am in total shock and awe by Air Canada doing this. Seriously. I am an ex-travel agent and never did I think I'd see this. And I am so, so happy for you that somebody didn't "go by the book" this time around. Your karma is showing!

Glad you weren't flying United. Have you heard the broken guitar story? If not, click on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

In case it happens again, Steph - Fear Not! You can get a new passport within two days of submitting your completed application if you submit in person to a genuine Passport Canada office (not just a service centre) and you pay the extra fee and you prove that you have Intent to Travel (these phrases crack me up).

Wow! Air Canada???
blows my mind, lol!

WOW! Gave me chills.
Just as I was thinking the world was getting too bureaucratic you experience the ultimate in consideration and thoughtfulness. Thank you for letting us all know.

I will try to remember this next time I want to bash a big company.

Namaste.
Everyone is so looking forward to seeing you at Rhinebeck.

For whatever reasons, known and unknown, that happened - hooray for Air Canada! And a very specific "Hooray!" for the person who stood there in the rain to give you your passport.

This would never have happened in the US. :-(

Amazing. What are the chances of that happening!?! Are there any book tour stops in Ontario?

Please please please Steph, I urge you to pick up the phone and let Air Canada know the great thing their YYZ staff just pulled out.
Honestly I think they ought to know.
Glad you can go on tour now.
(and BTW I don't work for AC!)

What a wonderful story! I've only flown AC once, for a job interview in Toronto, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Glad to hear things haven't changed (or may have even gotten better) since 1999...

I wear a pouch around my neck when traveling with passport, because I KNOW I'd leave it somewhere! I have had close calls, though!

At the library, we've had people leave their passports, visas, licenses, etc. in the copiers, and our campus police run right over to pick them up, in hopes the papers get reunited with their owners. We're always delighted to hear the good stories, thanks!

So glad you got your passport back - what amazing customer service! I am planning to catch your book tour in Austin, I'm so glad you'll be able to travel!

Wow. It really is true. Canadians are the nicest people ever!

Wow! That's incredible! What great customer service....it's so nice to hear a story like that.

Wow, now that is a great airline, run by wonderful,caring people!!

Beautiful!

First thought:

"Oh. " She said, and offered me the drink cart.

I am thinking/hoping that you wrote that correctly. Because I think I would need the entire cart at that moment.

Second thought:

I like Canada. When I was returning from a trip to Victoria, during which I had swapped some home brew for some rum, I ran into a security guard who, by just glancing at the cork, could tell my wine was not commercially manufactured (I think there is a lot of home brewing in Canada). Well, this was back when you could carry wine bottles on board and I had already checked my luggage. And he said I couldn't bring home brew on the plane (i never did quite understand why home brew wasn't okay but commercial was). So, I went back to the check in counter. They hadn't loaded the plane so they went and got my bag from the cart and let me put my wine in my checked luggage. i couldn't believe it. Of course, when I went back through security, they had an extra special patdown waiting for me. I always thought I should know the first name of a person that touched me like that. But, I was so happy to have retained my home brew that I didn't mind.

The kindness of strangers. How wonderful of them. And all of your readers are REALLY grateful that it will mean you are coming to see all of us! Can't wait to see you :)

Living a charmed life has its advantages.

Your story brought tears to my eyes. Air Canada rocks!

Aww . . . I hope Air Canada uses you in their next commercial! Good for you and good for AC!

Thank God for awesome people! Great story!

Canadians are SO nice, and lucky. I don't think anyone on an American airline would do anything that nice. Truly good people. Their parents raised them well! Good luck on tour. I hope I can get the chance to see you finally!

Woohoo! Another win for the Canadians. This proves they really are the nicest people ever.

Hurray for you and your passport and Air Canada! Long ago I worked for a US airline and found someone's planner (in the days before iphones when the planner had ALL your info)left in a departure lounge. I tracked the person, confirmed she was on the flight (to Toronto as it happens), sent the planner on another flight 30 minutes behind her and sent a message to the arrival gate with all the details. I was glad to do all this but always wished I could have been the agent to meet her at the door of the plane and say "Your planner will be joining you in 30 minutes at gate A4..."

How's that sweater coming?

Amazing! But then, it was Air Canada. Always lovely, helpful, and endearingly Canadian.

Cheers and red wine, Hazel.

With all the Air Canada dissing that goes on in the news these days, it's so charming to read something nice for a change. Kudos to you. You do have a horseshoe up your posterior regarding passports, though. Joe's passport renewal story remains one of my favorites.

This one's right up there too.

And it brought tears to my eyes as well.

Kudos to Air Canada - that's the best airplane story I've ever heard. I'll fly AC whenever I get the chance. Glad it all worked out for you!

Just want to add my voice to all those who are suggesting that you let Air Canada know how much you appreciate the extra special, over and above customer service. Too often big companies only hear the complaints. Forward a copy of this blog and the many wonderful comments to any and every Air Canada executive you can find. Let them know that this act of kindness has convinced others to use their services. In turn this will encourage the powers that be to continue to stress good customer service. It's a win-win situation. If you google "Air Canada Executives" they are listed by name and position.

Wow! You are living right :)

I could claim stress or hormones or something, but I just have to say that your story made me get all misty. I was so touched at the idea that a group of people wrote notes to each other all weekend to take care of your passport and, by extension, you. Thanks for sharing such a lovely story...

My credit card fell out of my purse on an AirFrance flight from the US to Paris. I realized it when I couldn't pay for my lunch at Charles DeGaule (because I'd missed my next flight, the trip did get better). Couldn't cancel the card because it was the only money my son had(who was coming over in a couple of days). I will skip the running around, pleading, calling etc. that ensued, but an AirFrance employee gave up about an hour of his life trying to help. In the end, I got it back, a person who cleaned the plane found it and turned it in. So Air France is nice, too.

Loved your story. Could feel your panic. Glad it had such a happy ending.

Faith in humanity has been restored!

Wow, you must have been really good in another life!
If this isn't proof enough for you that the universe is kissing your butt, I don't know what would be...in fact, if you complain about anything ever again, I will personally drive to Canada and snatch you bald-headed! You have been warned...oh well, what the hell, it will probably give you a two-by-four upside the head now, to make up for it! Ha!

Amazing! Way to go Air Canada!

Wow! That is amazing! I'd fly Air Canada if I could though the Southwest is a bit far for them... that kind of customer service and just plain consideration is awesome!

Great karma! I take back any nasty thing I may have thought or said about Air Canada!

I just love how when you least expect it the most wonderful things happen. Totally makes up for all the other times that life bitch slaps you for no apparent reason!

25 years ago I sent my 10 year old son (with a friend) to Camp Pathfinder, 100 miles north of Toronto. We got him on the plane and someone from the camp was there in the airport, it was all prearranged and went off without a hitch. He had a fabulous time. On the return trip, we were at the gate (you could do that then)and the Air Canada rep looked at us,and said "You must be here for the two unattended minors." I was really impressed even then, it was really an attention to detail that I had not experienced on any American Airline.

Well I am thoroughly impressed! Thank you for sharing your experience. It's so nice to hear a postive story but I admit to an increase in my blood pressure during your panicked search. Fear of losing my passport is one of my top anxieties.

Wow! An airline did all that for you and didn't charge you extra!?! I'm impressed too!

Whew. This just is a little reminder from the universe that real people work for big corporations and that sometimes those real people go the extra kilometre to take care of the other real people who use their services. However, sounds like it is time to change your routine and keep that passport in your line of sight at all times while traveling.
Since I am a Washington state resident, I have an "expanded" driver's license which lets me go to and fro over the Canadian border sans passport.

What a lovely story! Good for them.

WOW! That is absolutely amazing in this day and age. Makes one wonder how many knitters were in the chain of people who got the passport to you. :-)

Unbe-frikkin-lievable!! Next time I have the opportunity, I'll fly Air Canada....("with tongue"...tee hee...)

I'm so weirdly emotional today this story is making me teary. I LOVE when people do the right thing and help each other out in big (and little) ways. Air Canada rocks!

WOW! You got it back because you are a good person, Steph. Unfortunately, I was unable to go to St. Andrews for Knit East - 2 hour drive - but glad everything turned out well.

Wow. I just read this aloud to my husband (he is a fan, too) and we are SO flying Air Canada whenever they go where we want to.

Ten to one someone at Air Canada is a knitter, reads the blog and knew what would happen if you lost your passport. An amazing story.

I am getting on an AC flight within 24 hours with an infant, and am dreading the thought of it. This makes me feel a tad better about it the flight. Of course, I am going to the Maritimes and there are lovely yarn stores there, so as long as I can get past the flight there is beautiful yarn and wonderful food once I get there.
I am glad it all worked out for you.

wow. just....wow.

ps: i do hope you will also post pics from Knit East....

Aren't WE just the creatures of habit?!

Just returned home and Scarlett (cat) insisted to husband that she was ready for 'goodies'. DH told her it was vitamin time (actually medicine time.) She told him in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS that it was goodie time, and I told him that I had slipped the medicine to her in the morning.
DON'T mess with the habit!
Canada to US, put passport in seatback.
Canada to Canada, put it in handbag/purse!

SOOOOoooo glad to see Customer Service!

Makes my day!

b.

Happy for you that you got your passport back, thus did not have to confess to your publisher that you couldn't make your book tour and it was all your fault!! Back to St. Andrews by the Sea, my most favorite spot in Canada (which is saying a lot--we have travelled extensively in your beautiful country)which we first discovered about 40 years ago. When I retired in 1998, we took that trip again, up the Atlantic coast, stopping in Maine (another fave) and back to St. Andrews. Back to the same little inn we had stayed in all those years ago, the Rosmont Inn--different owners now but still the same charm. Then into town and it was a real time warp; mostly the same stores -- the damaged China shop (or something like that) and, my most favorite, Cottage Craft. Now, the store was manned by the children of the owners I had met but boy, the yarn still the same, some of the patterns still being shown. A couple of years later they showed up at Stitches. Just love their yarn (still have a good stash of it) and have had some terrific experiences with them involving one sweater that was set on fire.

totally a miracle. What amazing people! That is a fantastic airline company. Thank you for sharing!

Great to know real human beings can make decisions in a big company like that. Another story:

I taught at a conference 200 miles from home. As our team was packing up, we found a smart cell phone of one of our participants who lives about 20 miles from me. Instead of trying to mail it back (it was a Friday, it would be 5 days before it got back), I told the folks I'd take it with me, and we emailed him and told him I had it. By the next morning the phone (his only line) was in his hot hands. And he gave me flowers. :)

It is the way the world should work, but often does not.

That rocks! End of story....at least for now.

Oh my gosh. Doesn't that just instill a belief in the goodness and kindness of the world? Sometimes life is a beautiful thing.

That is an extraordinary example of customer service done the way it should be. Kudos to Air Canada.

yay for excellent customer service! If this is how everything was done, there might not be so much turmoil in the world...or at least with disgruntled travelers.

Faith in humanity?

Just bumped up yet another notch.

Thanks Steph and thanks Air Canada!

Awesome Air Canada.
As for bonehead moves- welcome to your 40's :)

Love! It made me tear up a little thinking of all the nice people working to get your passport back to you without you having to do a bunch of paperwork.

How cool is that?

However, this should be normal: doing sensible things in uncommon circumstances.

Passport shrunk... suddenly tiny. Makes sense when your stomach is in your throat.

(I have to say that I thought you might find it in the pocket in front of you.) But the truth was so much better. All that communication... how cool is that. People had to follow through, keep track of what was going on, such as the day and the direction the plane was going. Impressive.

WOW!

Wow, talk about customer service! Also, I am constantly losing my camera cable too. I finally found a way to NOT lose it, and figured I'd pass it on. I got one of those camera cases with a small zip pocket on the front, and that's where I keep the cable. I haven't lost it since. Hope this helps!

dang, this made me cry. Hormones/pregnant/hard day at work...and random kindness always gets me.
Safe travels

Whoa--that is amazing. They totally deserve a kiss on the mouth for that.

Two words: "Card Reader." I can't keep track of a camera cord either, but I can keep track of a card reader. It can be purchased at any electronics or office supply store, costs well under $20. Will fit eight or ten different camera memory cards. I bought one for home and one for work. LOVE them. -- also - hurray for Air Canada!

wow - that is one kind of impressive - what great, considerate, conscientious workers!!

Yay for Air Canada!!

This mean I DO get the chance to "Kinnear" you at Rhinebeck this year!!

;)

Thank you so much for posting this wonderful story. As a customer service representative, it breaks my heart every time I see a blog post or tweet from someone who has received poor treatment. I'd like to believe that most bad experiences are one person having a bad day, but I'm slowly realizing there's just a lot of people in this world who don't care.
But it cheers my little customer-centered heart to see a whole organization of people who work together to make sure you got your passport back!

As someone who lives in USA, my mouth couldn't help but gape wide open while reading this story. Maybe I'm just a jaded New Yorker, but never in a million years would any American airline go to the trouble that Air Canada went to for you :) What an awesome story - I'm so glad it worked out and also so glad you'll be joining us on the southern side of the fence next week! :)

WOW. That would never happen in the U.S. Our numb-nuts would have probably thrown it away when they cleaned out the plane! Lucky, fortunate you! : )

Great story, fantastic service, but you've made me too paranoid to put anything in the seat pocket!

That camera cord? Tie a piece of bright colored ribbon on it. Not yarn, as it would just blend in with your stash and projects.

Thanks for all the great stories and project ideas.

We love then - and you.

This SO makes me want to move to Canada!

That truly brought tears to my eyes. What generous people.

I rarely comment, but wow. That is impressive and thoughtful and thoughtfully impressive. Yay.

That is the most impressive thing I've heard about Air Canada in a very long time!

Awesome customer care!!

Ok, Canadians seriously rock. The likelihood of this happening here in the U.S. is substantially lower, as employees of any airline, no matter how customer-oriented, usually can't be bothered. I'm so glad you got your passport back!

I have to say, even though I live in the US, I will only fly Air Canada to London any more. I have always found them to be the nicest, most considerate airline, and more than willing to accomodate when you have a problem. I was on the way home from my dad's funeral, and missed the last flight home from Toronto, and they worked enough magic to get me within 3 hours of home, so my husband could come get me the same day. I've also been able to change tickets without incurring fees due to funerals- unheard of in the US. And they've held planes, escorted me through immigration, and given me food and drink coupons and access to the lounges. They're on time most of the time, and never lose baggage.

It does mean that I have to clear both Canadian customs in Toronto and British customs in the UK, but the peace of mind of knowing that the airline still treats you like a human is so worth the extra hassle of clearing customs twice.

So Southwest Airlines in the US, Air Canada internationally.

That totally makes up for pretzels! And now, Cat doesn't even have to feel a little bit bad for being interesting. Yippee!!

What a wonderful group of people to actually care and treat a customer like a friend. Having friends and relatives that are Canadian, it doesn't really surprise me...just makes me miss visiting and seeing them even more than before. They taught/remind me that being nice and using your brain is just the norm not the oddity.

Must be a Canadian thing - we aren't that nice in the US. So glad you got it back - what a horror.

I am so glad for you that this story had a happy ending. Actually, I am also happy for me that your story had a happy ending, as I plan to come to Barnes & Noble on the 19th with some of my knitting friends to hear you. No passport would have meant that once again I would have missed seeing you, as something has happened to make me miss it on each of the other occasions that you have been near where I live during a book tour (always my mishaps, not yours).

Best airport story EVER! That is so awesome!

The employees at Air Canada really do rock! They were very helpful to me when I was flying on another carrier (a US one) that had to park at another gate instead of the original arrival gate for some reason (this was a few years ago, memory is hazy). If it hadn't been for the kindness, efficiency, and quick thinking of some fine persons at Air Canada I would have been stuck overnight at the airport instead of connecting with my flight to Edmonton. I'm glad there are still great people working at AC!

What a great story.

And ooooh, did you go to Cottage Craft? I love that place. I still have a whole bunch of their yarn stashed up from my last trip there in 2007. Can't wait to hear your stories about it.

I had both the best and worst day of my life flying Air Canada. After a cancelled and re-booked flight, losing the money I paid for a window seat and dealing with surly ground staff, I got on a plane not even going to my destination (I would have to change planes to get there). In mid-flight, I had a blood vessel burst in my finger (while knitting). Since Air Canada considered this to be a "medical incident in-flight", when we landed in Calgary, they wouldn't let me get on my connecting flight until I got a doctor's clearance. Here I was stranded, not knowing anyone, and having to figure out how to find a doctor on a Saturday afternoon in an unfamiliar city.

A lovely Air Canada employee at the Calgary airport came to my aid. Long story short, she drove me to a walk in clinic, waited with me to see the doctor, got Air Canada to fax the necessary clearance forms to the doctor's office, then since the Air Canada doctor who had to sign off on the forms was in Montreal, she phoned Montreal to make sure the doctor didn't go home for the weekend (it was 6 pm Montreal time) until he got my paperwork and then cleared me to fly. Not only that, but she drove me BACK to the airport, found my luggage, and re-booked me on the LAST flight to my destination that night. I DID kiss her.

And did I mention she was doing this on her own time, as she had just got off work when my flight landed?

Angels DO exist. Some of them work for Air Canada.

That is an impressive airport/airline story! I was feeling immense nausea when you first started telling your tale. I'm so glad it all worked out for you. By the way, if you ever need to get a passport quickly (i.e. 1 week), I've found the office in Whitby, ON to be great. Line ups are short and I received my passport at my front door exactly 1 week after I applied for it AND I had not requested expedited service.

WOW!!! I'm stunned! Either you're more famous than you think you are, or those Air Canada people are AWESOME! I'm so glad it all worked out!

Wow. That is seriously impressive and rather nice of the Air Canada staff.

I once lost my ID on a Southwest plane (before 9/11, thank goodness) and one of the maintenance staff mailed it back to me. Not before I'd applied and paid for a new one, but still. Nice.

I can't solve all your problems, but I no longer share your darning needle problem. I discovered my laptop's magnetic closure keeps a tapestry needle, two actually- one on each side, nearby for me.

Since I nearly always have lappie near me (or at least I keep track of where I left it because it cost me more and is bigger than a thousand darning needles), I never need to go fetch one.

Also, by the way, there's a note on the airline seat pocket disallowing you from placing your laptop in there. Passports? No problem. Bummer.

Wow. Just..WOW.

Find out how many people were involved and knit 'em all scarves or something!

WOWWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWWWWW!!!!! Kudos, folks--remember this the next time you might have to go out of your way to help someone! :) It's worth it!! :)

Hugs! I'm so happy for you that it worked out that way! I'm astonished that they did that with all the red tape most of us Americans have to jump through with a lost passport, but it really shows the difference between the two countries.

Someone must be looking out for you up there!

I've flown Air Canada and have had great customer service. Way to go AC! I think they need some socks.

I also think they read NYTimes best-selling authors.

Makes me wish I had an opportunity to fly Air Canada. I just love when people use logic and reason instead of default to the easiest thing possible. Lovely of you to give them a shout out.

Wow that is awesome! Kudos to Air Canada and a big relief to you no doubt.

I'm *so* moving to Canada. <3

Message to loved ones of knitting bloggers: all they want for holiday gifts is more camera cables! Lots of them!

I can't help but wonder if someone along the way is a knitter/fan and made sure this happened.

Well, that chunk of serendipity could not have happened to a more wonderful woman :). Does make me wonder if someone is a knitter in that group...

That's truly an amazing story!! Maybe you're there so often, they recognized the picture? "Oh, yeah, that lady that always has her knitting! She'll probably be back soon...."

Amazing. Almost as amazing -- well, actually, MORE amazing -- that when I left my wallet behind in an Appleby's last summer, and a kid who worked there found it, mailed it to me, WITH THE $400 CASH INTACT.

Sometimes human beings amaze us in happy ways.

See? Once again AC shines through. I think you should ban-for-life all the commenters who slag them.

Good for Air Canada for going out of their way for you! That is really impressive....but then, you ARE the Michael Jordan of knitting ;)

WOW! You are the luckiest person on the PLANET. I kind of want to fly Air Canada now, though. :D Way to go, customer service!

What a great story. This one ranks up there with the story about you throwing the first pitch at the Toronto Blue Jays game.

Seriously impressive.

Stories like this renew your faith in customer service, and people who care. DH and I had a similar story last December: Cruise on the Danube, neither of us got our luggage on arrival in Budapest. I got a bad cold. Then on flight from Prague to London, DH leaves iPod in seat pocket. We overnight in London due to flight schedules. Next day as we are boarding our flight to Phoenix, a British Air gentleman approaches DH with "did you lose something?" We both laugh: our luggage, my health, DH's iPod...Where to start with the answer.... The man pulls out the iPod. They, too, had checked to see who was in the seat where it was found, and checked to see if we were outbound.... We were flabbergasted. We now have luggage tags in our iPod holders. [Our luggage arrived home 4 days after we got home]

Great job Air Canada! Sad that this type of customer service should be the norm, but it is not.

Isn't it wonderful when someone shows some initiative and thoughtfulness?

That is a wonderful example of customer service, unfortunately many companies nowadays don't encourage their staff to give that sort of service; that's one reason why I no longer work for call centres; all of them seem to have lost the service call and replaced it with the sales call.

WOW! What an incredibly wonderful story.

Another Harlot post that makes me wish I could move to Cabada. <3

Wow. If I ever get it together and travel to Canada again, I will *most definitely* fly Air Canada.

What wonderful people. I'm so glad for you, Stephanie, that you got your passport back.

But I'm gobsmacked at Air Canada and how they took such good care of you. Wow.

DCM
S.F. Bay Area

That is amazing kindness.

Fantabulous! I'm so glad that you're going to be able to come down and visit us in Seattle at the end of the month after all!

Somehow, though, I just knew it was going to turn out alright - although you often come away with wonderful stories, generally it seems like you do come out ahead. Then again, maybe that's because you only tell us about the good stuff on the blog so it doesn't sound like you're complaining, but I like the world better if I imagine that it just treats you well overall.

This sounds like the good old days in the U.S. That airline is great.

Wow. This is like the "best case scenario" fantasy you get when something like this happens, when you know it's all gone a bit wrong and there is no logical way it can be fixed easily. So you allow your brain to wander and find an impossible way it can all be fixed. And in your case, it was all fixed! :D

What a completely heart-warming story. It makes me so happy to be reminded that there are some wonderful people in this world (you very much being one of them of course!!).

I LOVE Air Canada - I've flown with them a couple of times from the UK to Toronto and I only have wonderful things to say about them. I have a flying phobia and on a flight home to the UK I told the stewardess I was scared - next thing I know the Captain - yes, The Captain!!! - came down the plane mid-flight to see me and check I was ok(he'd left the co-captain in charge - leaving no-one flying the plane would have REALLY freaked me out).

I LOVE you, Canadians! You come to visit the town where I work (Shipshewana, Indiana) all of the time, and if I didn't recognize you by the (veryslight) accent, I would know you by your polite and happy demeanor. :)

May I also add, when one leaves one's driver's license in the back pocket of one's blue jeans on a flight to Atlanta, it is a good idea not to forget to remove one's license from said blue jeans before packing them for the return trip...not that I would do such a stupid thing, mind you...

Wow! We hear so many complaint stories these days, it's really nice to hear about a GREAT one. I will fly Air Canada if they go where I'm headed!

I was traveling last month on my own with my infant and pre-schooler. I did my best to be organized and my kids were extremely cooperative.. and yet .. I managed to forget my 4 year old's beloved blankie in the overhead compartment on our 2nd leg. This is her special blankie (a handknit from a good friend that she's had since birth and doesn't sleep without). She and I both cried when I realized what I'd done! But the Air Canada folks did their magic and the blankie was found and it was in my hands not 3 hours after I realized I'd lost it. AMAZING!

What a nice thing for Air Canada personnel to do for you! A person seldom sees that kind of customer service any more. So few people care. Leaves me very nostalgic for the old days.

That's a nice, heartwarming story. I'm glad for you that it worked out so well. Every so often things like this happen and it's important to hear the stories of humans being, well, good humans.

(I once needed to find replacement wheels for an office chair I have at home. I tracked down a company that made similar looking wheels. I emailed them to find out if they sold directly to the public and after two or three emails with a customer rep I received a package at work with 5 wheels. And they didn't charge me; maybe they didn't sell retail but I thought it was nice that they gave me the wheels.)

I love hearing stories of customer service, especially for companies that you always, always hear complaints on. Thanks for posting this!!

That is so awesome. And you know what else? When a team comes together like that to help someone out, it makes their day as well. I've been on the customer service end where we work tiny miracles and there's nothing like sharing that story of a happy and surprised customer with your coworkers to inspire them and make everyone feel good about the work they do. Thanks for sharing!

I, too, have had nothing but fantastic customer service (not to mention comfortable flights) with Air Canada. I tried our "other" major airline a couple of times, but wasn't nearly as happy (though many of my friends prefer them) so it's Air Canada all the way for us.

Wow that is fantastic. I LOVE hearing stories like this! I am also beyond excited to read about KnitEast (since I am from Saint John and my favourite place is St. Andrews - but now I live in the GTA).

Awesome work with the passport - but I think it's to be expected from staff that offer you the drinks cart when they see you need it! They have it right in every direction!

I think this is an excellent example of why I love Canadians!

The person who found your passport - or someone who touched it, HAD to have been a knitter or known who you are and what you do. Things like this don't just happen. The Universe was kind to you that day.

What a relief that must have been! I haven't flown much at all (especially the last few years), but Air Canada was always more pleasant to fly on than any US airline.

That is so wonderful that the story ended on such a good note. You know, that never would have happened if you had been flying on a US airline. They probably would not only have tossed the passport, but likely would have sold your personal information to the highest bidder (okay, maybe not, but they wouldn't have done what Air Canada did).

WOW --that is an amazing story and also one of the reasons I never take my passport with me when I travel domestically. Glad it all worked out for you and I would have totally blamed Cat too! Interesting people are dangerous travel companions and the source of most travel mishaps.

I second (third) the advice about getting a rush service. My stepdad lives abroad and discovered that he'd have to renew his UK passport through Germany, using a credit card that demands payment in UK sterling cheques (which he doesn't have...). While trying to discover best how to overcome this, we were told that he could come to the UK for a three day trip, apply in person the first morning, and collect it the next day. And it would be cheaper than sending it to Germany ! In the end, the thought of having to give Michael O'Leary and RyanAir extra money to fly him back to the UK for a few days put him off and we sorted it out. Still nice to know someone can get a passport in a matter of hours.

Good people doing good things...making the world a better place. And reducing personal stress everywhere. Let's keep that up.
Book on order from Local Book Store and owner was thrilled when I showed her your suggestion on the blog ~ ~
..

_______

What a blessing! That's some seriously awesome Karma you have there.

I just love Canadians.

Well, since you are a Canadian treasure--they should go out of their way for you!!

Each and every one involved must have been a knitter. Only possible explanation. But hey, wow - the power of knitters!

Awesome! (I'll buy you some better pretzels next time.)

Allow me to share a bit of wisdom that took me an embarrassing number of years to learn: When I'm traveling, I'm not home. I finally, FINALLY began using my cell phone as my contact number for airlines instead of the land line that I was guaranteed to NOT BE REACHABLE AT if there was a problem with my air travel.

Oh, and I left my first Kindle in a seat pocket. If I'd been flying Air Canada, I'm sure I'd have gotten it back. My second Kindle has an address sticker on it, just in case.

There really are a lot of good people in the world. Some of them even work for airlines.

That is super awesome. I have a story... I was at the VT Sheep and Wool Festival over the weekend, and on Saturday misplaced my keys. I used to do this regularly, but it has been years. I was certain they were in my pocket, and had fallen out somewhere along the way. I looked at the last few vendors I had been at. Then I panicked. I had them make an announcement about lost keys. I talked the the person in charge of the fair and the person in charge of vendors, who took my name and cell number and promised to call immediately if somebody found them. (All the while I'm thinking that I have to somehow get me and two otber people twelve hours back to Pennsylvania without a car.) The super wonderful sheep-sheering demo guy helped me dig through his giant bag of wool in case somehow while I was watching the demo my keys fell out and got tangled up in it (it seemed rational at the time). With maybe thirty minutes left... I found them in my purse that I had left in the car (the car fortunately being unlocked).

If any of you ever get up to this lovely little festival, let me just tell you, every single vendor, staff person, and demonstrator is just wonderfully nice. And if you lose your keys, they will do everything they can to help you.

This just proves my long held contention that Canadians are probably the nicest, kindest, most considerate people on the planet.

And sometimes, the folks who work on planes can be awfully nice. Son #2 once left a wallet on a plane and the airline found his high school id and mailed the wallet to his school.

Canada rocks, so hard.

A returned passport AND all three daughters home for Thanksgiving? Reason to give thanks indeed :-)

OK, Steph, I know your life is even more chaotic than mine, and I confess I haven't read EVERY comment to see if someone else said this, but - was there no one at home who might have checked the messages and then called you to save you the panic?

Was it that a) there was no one at home, b) they don't check messages, or c) they didn't think it would matter to you?

I often find hubby hasn't checked phone messages, so I wouldn't be surprised, but really.

Congrats to Air Canada, but the last time I flew them my flight was - ahem - 'delayed'. What it really was, was that there were very few people on my flight and the next one from Columbus, so they 'delayed' mine so they could put us all on one plane. And I seem to recall a similar shenanigan on the flight home.

Lucky you are a Canadian. That would NEVER happen in the US. We are too busy trapping and detaining.

That is true Canadian spirit! I don't travel a whole lot, so I really haven't had any significant issues with planes/airlines, except the Air Canada attendant who had to check the pointiness of my knitting needles.
Perhaps Air Canada staff is happy they aren't on strike?
We're taking WestJest in two weeks, now I almost wish I was taking Air Canada....except the cost...

Thanks for taking the time to share a great story! It's so nice to hear how people go out of their way to help other people instead of how people are jerks. I mean, both can be true, but hoorah for glass half full! I'm very impressed with Air Canada.

That would make for an incredible customer service story for Air Canada!

Wow!

Amazing service! Thank God for nice people and companies!

Wow - talk about customer service!! That's SO cool! I do believe this is karma at it's finest!

What wonderful customer service, a rare thing for airlines these days

it's so nice to read a well written story about something nice! thanks for lightening the load a little, steph.

What I get from this story is that none of the people you live with check the phone messages. Sounds like my house.

Wow! In this day and age, you NEVER hear stories like this one! Amazing! I can't imagine how many people it took to get this right and it gives me a little faith in humanity again!

Wonderful karma. I seem to remember a post of yours about your husband's passport and a trip with his Mum. That one had me belly laughing this one restored my faith in others. Well, maybe both stories did!

Wow. I guess all that "How I Met Your Mother" about how Canadians are nice is true.

I am so amazed that there wasn't 18 layers of red tape to go through!

This would so never happen in the U.S. Congratulations for living in a civilized country.

Wow!

My daughter had a similar Air Canada passport situation a few years ago. While on a trip from Ottawa to the British Virgin Islands via Philadelphia and Miami she realized in Miami that she had left her passport at the ticket counter in Philly. Since she always travels with her birth certificate (who does that!) she was able to continue with her trip. Air Canada not only kept her passport, they returned it to Montreal where she picked it up at the airport on her return flight a week later. So, yes, there are VERY NICE people who care about their customers and will go out of their way to take care of them.

Simple. Canadians took care of it in a Canadian way. Wouldn't have happened in the U.S.

WOW! Go Air Canada!

I do not for the life of me understand why, after all these years of flight and people leaving things behind, they have not started building airplanes with clear or mesh seat pockets. It CAN'T be that hard.

Having been in similarly terrifying passport situations, I don't know if I *could* have resisted the urge to kiss her. In fact, I think I want to kiss them all on your behalf. However, in even deeper gratitude, I will resist.

Oh, and WOW.

That's really a great story, and refreshing to hear someone say something nice about Air Canada (or more importantly, have a good reason to). So glad it all worked out for you.

Hooray for nice people!

That does it. In my next life, I want to be Canadian!

Now I just wish Air Canada flew to Australia! We are hoping to fly back there next year and we are in the market for flights at the moment.

I am sooo happy that you got your passport back. xoxo

Reason number 5,327 to move to Canada.

If it was an American flight, you could have checked the pocket at the same seat number as your previous flight, on the odd chance you were on the same airplane. If so, it would have still been there, along with all the detritus from previous passengers, like sticky old candy bar wrappers and simple-minded cartoon leaflets telling you that you are straight on your way to Hell.

I once sat on the plane, waiting to take off at Dallas/Fort Worth, and watched as my piece of checked luggage, which had clearly fallen off to the side as they loaded the luggage compartment, was ignored by no fewer than a dozen or so people who walked past it with clipboards in hand, drove AROUND it with little luggage trains, and so forth. There it sat, directly outside the luggage compartment, about 20 feet from the plane. No one on the tarmac even bent over to look at a tag to see what plane it was supposed to be on. I grabbed a flight attendant, dragged her to a window, and showed it to her. "See?" I said. That is my luggage. It is not on the airplane. People are walking past it." She said she would see what she could do. Moments later, the plane started backing away from its parking spot, and I watched my checked bag recede from sight. It caught up with me later the next night, and reinforced my belief that anything important should be in my purse

I have a canvas tote bag with a zip-closed top that I save just for travel, since I ordinarily don't carry a big purse. It carries my small purse, an extra set of underwear, my toiletries and my knitting. The outside zippered pocket is reserved for travel documents.

So glad you got your passport back! In this age of paranoia the thought of replacing one in a short period of time is enough to make MY stomach hurt on your behalf.

Reason number 5,327 to move to Canada.

If it was an American flight, you could have checked the pocket at the same seat number as your previous flight, on the odd chance you were on the same airplane. If so, it would have still been there, along with all the detritus from previous passengers, like sticky old candy bar wrappers and simple-minded cartoon leaflets telling you that you are straight on your way to Hell.

I once sat on the plane, waiting to take off at Dallas/Fort Worth, and watched as my piece of checked luggage, which had clearly fallen off to the side as they loaded the luggage compartment, was ignored by no fewer than a dozen or so people who walked past it with clipboards in hand, drove AROUND it with little luggage trains, and so forth. There it sat, directly outside the luggage compartment, about 20 feet from the plane. No one on the tarmac even bent over to look at a tag to see what plane it was supposed to be on. I grabbed a flight attendant, dragged her to a window, and showed it to her. "See?" I said. That is my luggage. It is not on the airplane. People are walking past it." She said she would see what she could do. Moments later, the plane started backing away from its parking spot, and I watched my checked bag recede from sight. It caught up with me later the next night, and reinforced my belief that anything important should be in my purse

I have a canvas tote bag with a zip-closed top that I save just for travel, since I ordinarily don't carry a big purse. It carries my small purse, an extra set of underwear, my toiletries and my knitting. The outside zippered pocket is reserved for travel documents.

So glad you got your passport back! In this age of paranoia the thought of replacing one in a short period of time is enough to make MY stomach hurt on your behalf.

I think I am going to cry. Beautiful.

I have a similar story about excellent customer service. Rain caused cancelled flight in Chicago but the nice man at the gate re-routed the "groom's family" (6 peeps) through Washington DC so we made the rehearsal dinner in Breckenridge on time. the very nice man also had the baggage handler bring all 12 bags up to the gate for us to confirm all wedding attire got on the same flight we did. Really wish I could remember which airline.

Amazing! Companies often do not go the extra mile, but people do. I'm glad to hear the you not just got your passport back, but so promptly!

I can't meet/see you this book tour, but it's on my list of things I Must do. (Drew Emborsky and Cat Borhdi are also on the list of people I must meet some day.)

You have inspired me to keep on knitting! Thank You Stephanie!

Impressive customer service. I wonder if one of the supervisors is a knitter!

Oh...the story about made me cry...that's so wonderful when people are looking out for you like these angels did. Knowing me, I'd pull out my Yarn Crawl passport and try to get on a place with that.

Humans doing what they do best- caring. Love it.

This is amazing! It's so nice to know that we have great people out there willing to take the extra step.

Thanks for sharing that story with us. It is GREAT to see a company like AIR CANADA that realizes that extra bit of service is what sets them apart.

Hip Hip Hooray, AIR CANADA!

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Your story of the lost passport brought a tear to my eyes. How fortunate you flew on such a caring airline. I wish I had the same ending to my story of leaving my project bag on the train with a pair of half finished socks and my favorite circular needle. Gone forever.

Wow! Air Canada is now officially on my "must fly" list! I'm tempted to take a trip just to patronize them. (I'll bring my own pretzels.)

The travel angels were definitely with you.

My son left his camera cable at home when he left for Germany this summer. I mailed it to him right away, but somehow it never arrived. Unfortunately his messenger bag (with camera, laptop, etc.) was stolen in Berlin - so no photos were ever downloaded. Very sad. Thank the travel angels for Facebook, where some of his new German friends posted photos!

I always learn something from your travel adventures - this time it was the power of the Force.

This post is proving to me I'm stressed out - it made me tear up - but it is fantastic they were so nice and it's supportive too. At least I'll be on an Air Canada flight to Toronto in two months. That'll definitely help in the pressure of moving country. So far I've only had small scale evidence of their flight attendants being lovely - laughing over not being understood saying water with a deliberately stronger r that was meant to make up for my antipodean accent :) I'll calm down but if you feel like posting any more 'Canada/Toronto are great' posts I'll definitely appreciate them!

My new passport arrived yesterday just as a flight sale went up. I'm obviously meant to move and you are obviously too anticipated on your book tour to be stuck on one side of a border!

What a fabulous ending! I love Air Canada.

Last year, they carried me off a plane when I was too sick to walk (I did not expect my already bad motion sickness to become unmanageable after pregnancy), carried my 4 month old baby for me (never moving out of my sight so I wouldn't worry), brought me all my stuff and then drove me in the golf cart to baggage claim and took care of the baby for me until my cousin arrived to drive me home.

When I wrote to tell them how grateful I was for the help, they sent me a coupon.

Wow, that's awesome!

Sorry Steph but I just don't believe this one is good corporate customer service. The person who returned your passport has to have been a knitter and you are probably a super elite traveler with all your kms so they know you.

Air Canada isn't nice to anyone for any reason ever. 1300+ flights a day, thousands of overcharged annoyed passengers. Isn't that their slogan? Glad you got your passport back. Buy a lottery ticket quick!

Dear Air Canada,

Thank you for making it possible for Stephanie Pearl-McPhee keep her scheduled appearances in the US. My friend and I are driving approximately 400 miles, have made hotel reservations and — most importantly — have reminded one another daily that "we're going to see the Yarn Harlot in Skokie!

With appreciation,
Mary Ann

Okay - that's it! I'm moving to Canada.

Wow, what a Canadian story. Can't imagine any US airline employee doing any of that. Totally against protocol.

I am sitting in my office, at work (don't tell) laughing out loud, really loud. This after the also audible, "Oh no!!" while reading through your account. Sometimes when I share what is causing me to laugh from your blog writings, I get half smiles and half hearted comments. They don't get it, and I try not to judge.
Thank you for sharing!

That is really amazing. After the poor service I've had recently on different airlines, it's so refreshing to hear something good. Things like that really do restore your faith in humanity, don't they? I hope the rest of your travels are smooth and safe.

That is amazing. I bet at least one of the people who helped keep track of your passport is a knitter. :)

That's amazing and now I want to move to Canada, alhough now after living in the PNW for 4 years, I'm not sure I could cope with the weather of parts north.

Am looking forward to your book signing at powell's. Do you think I need to being my one chair? Just kidding. I should have something nice for you then.

What a beautiful, wonderful story! I am so happy it worked out so well.

Wow, this made me tear up! The goodness of people!

I am now going to book Air Canada whenever possible-what a great(albeit terrifying story).

I have always felt that our neighbors to the north were, as a group, a kind and caring group of people. What a heartwarming confirmation that a signifcant number of them coordinated their actions to help a fellow citizen who they might correctly assume was in a bit of a panic. Someday I'll have an opportunity to visit our Candian neighbors, with my passport in hand, and know that I will be amoung a group of truely nice people.

No, no, no! Never in the seat pocket, never!

I have nearly left my passport on planes quite a few times by doing that so it is a banned action for me. A "don't even think about it" action.

But then I'm usually flying within Europe so there's usually no reason to fill out an immigration card thing.

wow. canadians may be the nicest people on earth. glad you got your passport back! (and not only because you are coming to my neck of the woods in the next few days!)

This just adds proof to my theory that Canada is full of wonderful, considerate, nice people. (I'm an american, by the way, but I've always sworn that my husband has a canadian accent) (He's american too)

Holy cow. I may now love Air Canada. I thought WestJet had stolen my heart with their comfy seats, generally lower prices, and relaxed atmosphere, but Air Canada wins.

I left a cd player in a seat pocket once years ago. It never came home. So glad you had a happier ending.

I love it when people go a little extra to make things work out. Sounds like a great company, and i I ever fly in Canada, they will get my business!

That has to be the best airline story every - kudos to Air Canada!

Thanks for that post!

I have tears in my eyes writing this, as I'm sure others have said. It's so nice when you receive "loving on" (totally my own phrase, I'm sure!) by total strangers.

Very touching! Thanks again!

txdonna

Forget karma. A little common sense (thinking rather than following procedure lockstep) and common courtesy (people really do like helping other people) solved your problem. These two common items are not so commonly followed -- oh, if only they were! Happy U.S. travels.

SUCH a great story! Thanks for sharing it.

Just before SS11 I quit my job to go back to school fulltime...
Well, you can just guess what a good idea THAT has been, considering this summer I also turned 50.
(thank goodness I'd already bought my tix to Oregon so I still got to go to SS...)

ANYWAY, this youtube that I got today made me think of this post. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/HzSaoN2LdfU

(oh, see you at Rhinebeck!)

Here's a trick to beat the lost camera cable conundrum: go to Dollarama and buy the $2 Tech-1 USB 2.0 Card Reader. This little gadget has completely revolutionized my digital camera use, including the horrors of how to manage those pictures! It's very handy for those of us with older computers that do not have a built in SD card drive.

Put your camera SD card in the gadget, then plug it into your computer's external drive, go to "My Computer", click on the card reader's icon, then download those picture jpeg files. It could not be easier.

I have several of these tools and have given away many more. If I knew your address, I would drop several off today!

Just saw this post (I'm more than a little behind) and am so impressed that I now (again) want to move to Canada right now so I can fly Air Canada! So cool, congratulations on getting your passport back with so little government red-tape drama!

My grandmother swore by Air Canada every time she went from Boston to Saint John. She always said they were the nicest people ever.

I just read the story to my husband, and couldn't help but do it with a Canadian accent. What a great story, and what great service!

Wow! I'm impressed! There really are some good people! Let's pass it on!

wow, that IS a great story. I wish BA staff were as nice as that. Or Iberia...they couldn't be more unpleasant (notice the classy way to put it). Every time I have flown with them it's been the same.

Beat me with a stick. Great story!!

What a great story & perfect outcome. I know there are many wonderful, caring, thoughtful, helpful, selfless people out there in the world; thanks for the reminder.

Give those folks a raise!

Canadaians are SO nice! I bet you wouldn't have had that happen in the US. (I am from the US, so I can say that),

I bet they have knitters working for Air Canada.

That's so wonderful! I wish Air France had been so wonderful when I lost my wallet between Paris and India. No wonder I'm so jealous of Canadians, what with being so close to the border and all as a Minnesotan. It's like so much wonderful is just *thisfar* out of reach.

Glad you got your passport back, even if you aren't slated to come through MN on this tour (last I checked). Good luck with your travels!

As an AC employee who over the years has found many passports and other items...(maybe even yours)I found it very nice that you took the time to post this.The maintenance and cleaning staff (groomers) usually receive no explanation upon whether or not an item was returned to its rightful owner.At this point in time with layoffs fast approaching my position at AC, reading your post was nice.

There are nice people like that everywere....glad you found some !!!