I’m happy to report that some travel nightmares can – and do – end well.

Mine came to a satisfactory conclusion overnight. I discovered it in my email inbox this morning.

It came in the form of a note from United Airlines customer service department and informed me that I would be getting a $250 travel voucher in three to five days as a token of the airline’s regret over what happened to me on a flight I took on June 6 from Amarillo, with a connecting flight in Houston en route to Portland.

I wrote about it in some detail the other day.

http://www.johnkanelis.com/2013/06/travel-nightmare-continues.html

The message I received said, in part:

“Please understand that we do work hard to minimize flight problems. Of course the safety and well being of our passengers must always be our first priority so some delays or cancellations are unavoidable. Flight irregularities of any kind do cause major inconveniences for our customers, we realize, and we certainly don’t question the feelings of frustration that can arise as a result. Unfortunately, our industry is vulnerable to a number of challenges that can, and do, affect our operation on a daily basis. Inclement weather, mechanical problems, industry regulations and air traffic situations issues all affect our ability to meet our on-time performance goals each day. From what you describe, on this occasion we failed to meet your expectations for providing good service and for that I am truly sorry.”

It’s going to be some time before either my wife and I take United up on the offer. Still, $250 shaves a good bit off any domestic trip we might have in mind.

I am gratified, though, that United Airlines sought fit to make good on my request for some financial payback for the misery that occurred the evening of June 6 and well into the next day. Was it as much of a payback as I would have liked? Oh, probably not. Nevertheless, it was a nice way to start my weekend.

This saga has come to a happy conclusion.