After spending three well-spent days in El Salvador, my time had come to an end. It was time for me to leave and, that was where my headaches started.
First, I attempted to call an Uber to take me to the airport. Each driver accepted the ride and then proceeded to text me, inquiring whether I was going to pay the fare in cash. When I said no, they canceled the ride. After eight canceled rides, I chose to book a taxi through the hotel instead.
Pro tip: Book your taxi through the hotel to avoid delays
After paying for the taxi, I was on my way to the airport in the worst rain possible. It was a torrential downpour accompanied by thunder and lightning. An hour later, I got to the airport. I checked in, went through security. While sitting in the lounge, I received an email the airline canceled my flight.
Immediately, I went to the gate and got greeted by staff that couldn't provide me with any answers. After inquiring for two hours, they explained they were notified a little after 8:00 PM that the flight would be canceled and were in the process of securing hotels. I was a little annoyed it took three hours to relay the information. Then it took another 3 hours to get to a hotel. Priority went to families and people traveling with kids.
I then boarded a bus for a 45-minute trip back to San Salvador. When I got to the hotel(The Crown Plaza), dinner was Ham and cheese sandwiches and salad. I guess it was the best they could do on short notice. The next day there was a breakfast buffet before having to assemble at the busses at 10:00 AM. We didn't leave until 11 and began to long ride back to the airport.
At the airport, it was one long line of confusion and uncertainty. After an abysmal two hours of being told to go on separate lines, multiple bag checks, and failed communication later, I was back on a plane heading to New York City.
Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any parties mentioned. None of the entities mentioned has reviewed, approved, or endorsed the content listed in this post.
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