Fiji

*Note : This is a very angry post*

As he was going to be here for 7 weeks, we decided to go away for the first week as I also had the week off. Dying to get into clear blue seas, we debated between Vanuatu and Fiji, and then between Raki-raki and Pacific Harbour. Ultimately decided on Pacific Harbour as they have the famous shark dives.

Leaving Melbourne at 6 a.m

The planning of the trip was challenging as only a handful of airlines fly to Nadi, and being me, wanting to maximise time spent there, we've decided on Jetstar. Plus, it was also cheaper than the other airlines. Only to be extremely extremely disappointed with the service.

The flight with Jetstar included a connecting flight. We had to fly from Melbourne to Sydney and then take another flight to Nadi. This was a pre-arranged flight with Jetstar. It was not one that you buy separately. Anyway, we landed at Sydney 5 minutes late, and as we landed in T3, we had to catch a bus to T1. And we did get on the first bus that arrived. But anyway, we made it 2 minutes late to the counter to check in (despite walking at a supersonic speed). We were told as we were late hence : No flights for today, no reimbursement, we can get on the flight TWO days later. Even after we explained that it was the flight that was delayed. (Logically, you would think that the airlines will know if some of your passengers were arriving late on connecting flights that your airline has pre-arranged).

Our itinerary
(You would think Jetstar would give more time between the flights)

Anyway, another couple (which also came from Melbourne) arrived at the counter 10 minutes later. Guess this time the ground staff can't help but acknowledge that there was a problem with our bookings. And oh yes, we could not be put on the same flight because the airline was overbooked. OVERBOOKED. Because the airline had decided to try and make more profit on banking on passengers not turning up. Tickets we sold because we were late. Yes... TWO FREAKING MINUTES LATE. (And oh yes, Jeststar - I noted that you were still selling the cheap fares at 11 p.m the night before online). Nothing but disappointment.

Finally, we were asked to head towards their office for further follow up, as once the other passesngers arrived, there was no denying that the airline was at fault. Instead of trying to tell me that I was at fault for their flight itinerary. Sometimes I wonder if people are just plain racist or youngist.

The cafe where we sat and waited

After spending 1.5 hour loitering in the airport, we finally had an answer. We were placed on another flight (for the same day - or I would have really consider plunging a scalpel on someone) but FOUR hours later. Fine... so long I can get to where I want to get to on the same day, instead of the crappy 2 days delay. And they offered compensation.

Now... this was the other problem.

Dear Jetstar,

If you have no intention of making this compensation, please do not offer this letter out. If you are going to make it hard for us to validate that coupon, please do not offer it out. I would honestly think better of you, rather than being given this letter and then made to call different departments (and even QANTAS). The staffs that I spoke to were polite and nice, but it does not rectify the inconvenience and your less-than-honest offer.

Please discard your 'goodwill' in this letter if you have no intention of fulfilling it.

From your disappointed customer.

Anyway... after spending hours in the airport, both very tired as we only had 2 hours sleep and the boy had just gotten off an 8 hour flight the day before, we were exhausted by the time we arrived in Nadi. Not to mention the phone calls to the hotel to let them know we were arriving late as we had already previously arranged for transport. And upon arriving in Nadi, to then have to seek for other alternative transport to the hotel. (We were staying about 2 hours from the airport). All plans were cancelled, we were hungry and tired. So not the start the holiday I had wanted.

Arriving late in Nadi

After a long 2.5 hours journey to Pacific Harbour, we finally arrived at our hotel. The first thing we did was to ring room service for food. We were absolutely starving by then!

Our room

By the time we were done, it was already quite late so we headed off to dreamland in hope that the holiday will improve from the on.