It all started back in January, when Garvey was going to Koh Lanta. I was supposed to take a day off of work and meet him at the beach for a few days. Air Asia, unfortunately, has a monopoly on flights in Asia. When I had everything figured out on their website, which was a challenge to begin with, I submitted my credit card information. When I tried to enter my state in the billing address section, the drop- down menu didn’t drop down. There were no options. I reloaded the page, tried not putting a state, etc, etc. But nothing worked. When I finally called the airline, they couldn’t figure out the problem, but told me I could book the flight over the phone. The flight was going to cost me nearly twice as much. Whoa! I was not pleased, let them know it, and agreed to the price. Then, one by one, my credit cards were declined. Now, I can assure you my credit cards have all been cleared to work in Thailand, and have been used multiple times. But, leave it to Air Asia to not be able to accept them. Luckily, I have two Thai bank accounts, both with Visa debit cards. Surprise, surprise, Air Asia wouldn’t accept them. Bank transfer? No good. Pay at 7-11? No, cannot. I was livid. I think I honestly had steam coming out of my ears. My only option was to take the 6 hour bus to Bangkok, and hope to be able to buy a ticket at the airport. I yelled, cried, called Garvey, and didn’t get to see him. I was beside myself.
Since that terrible day in January I cannot tell you how many times I have heard about problems with Air Asia. The flights are always fine, but booking one is a pain in the behind. If you are in Thailand, for some reason, Americans cannot book flights. The state drop- down menu cannot be used. I have had to come to terms with booking my flights over the telephone. I have also figured out the special codes and questions I have to ask and give to be able to pay for my ticket at 7- 11. I don’t get the special internet price or any type of promotion, but I have to bite the bullet and be grateful I have a ticket.
Today I called Air Asia. I decided to go back to Vietnam to see the south, the beaches, and to take another scuba diving course. I will be flying into Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and out of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. When the details of those flights were finally worked out, which took at least 25 minutes, the paying game began. My 7-11 request was denied? What?! I wanted to leave on October 8, three days from today. No, cannot. To pay at 7-11 the flight must be at least four days later. Okay, then I will pay with my credit card. I read all of the information. Then the man asked me what the issuing bank was. “Bank of America.” “Uh oh. Bank of America no work.” He told me that Bank of America has a security system that is too high, and will not accept Air Asia transactions. I told him that was embarrassing for Air Asia. He offered to try the card.
Fail. Back to the drawing board.
I had the man with the thick accent change my ticket for October 9, and told him I would pay at 7-11. After another fifteen minutes of reentering information into his computer, and me listening to the same thirty second commercial in Thai about checking- in online, we had it figured out.
My passport is at the Vietnam consulate, waiting for a visa. My 7-11 receipt is in my wallet. And my gmail inbox is anxiously awaiting a confirmation email from Air Asia.
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