I applied my leave early this year, since no one can plan their leave too early. But once the family members gave the exact date, I hurriedly applied my annual leave. Now I mentioned two weddings, but one isn't a huge issue because it's only about a few hours drive, but the other wedding, we had to go by airplane to beat the major Chinese New Year traffic. So my sister booked flight tickets for our convenience. And the part that ticked me off, I didn't realize it was after a holiday, I only knew it was a Public Holiday because the application roster had a huge red slash on that page that says PH. So I just applied the date of the flight and just hoped that I'll get my approval.
Roughly on the second week of January, I got a call from the person-in-charge (PIC). At first she was friendly with me, but things gone downright nasty after the first few pleasantries. Here's the conversation (slightly edited, of course) :
PIC : Hi there, you applied your leave right?
Me : Yeah.
PIC : Okay, according to the application, you applied on the 10th of February to the 13th?
Me : Yeah... (Wondering where are we heading to)
PIC : Are you aware that on the 9th is Thaipusam?
Me : No??? (slightly confused now)
PIC : How can you not know it's Thaipusam?
Me : Should I?
PIC : (challenging me) Then how come you remember when is Chinese New Year and you don't know when is Thaipusam?
Me : Well, I only take note of the important event dates...
PIC : Oh, I see. Chinese New Year is such a big deal to you, yet you can apply for Thaipusam. Are you aware that the people who are celebrating Thaipusam are pissed at you right now for snatching their leave? How would you like it if they snatch your Chinese New Year leave?
Me : (rage began to boil over, but managed to say coolly) I have no idea.
PIC : May I know why are you applying leave on that day?
Me : I have my cousin's wedding coming up in Penang.
PIC : So?
Me : My family already booked a flight on that day.
PIC : Why can't you all use a car to get there? Penang is not overseas, you know.
Me : (slowly losing it, but manage to counter back) Then let me ask you a question, Terrenganu, Kedah and Kelantan are also local, but why on earth do you use the airplane if you can drive?
PIC : (kept silent, I did caught her at there, because next thing she did was evade my question) Can you cancel your flight?
Me : Excuse me?!
PIC : Can you cancel your flight? We'll let you take the 11th to 13th off. But can you cancel the 10th, give others a chance? You can get a refund or postpone your flight, right?
Me : (fury finally took over, I didn't shout, but I was really sarcastic) Sure, and who is going to give me back my refund, you?
PIC : I didn't say-
Me : (cutting in, really angry at this point, I didn't shout, but the fury is evident in my tone) I'm sorry, I'm not sure if you know this, but according to air flight regulations, in the event of any unforeseen circumstances like a terrorist attack, flight delays or bad weather that may jeopardize the plane, you are entitled for refund, or at the very least, compensation by the airport. If you were the one who is cancelling or postponing your flight by choice, you are not entitled for refund. Instead, your ticket will be burned and you have to pay for the new ticket. Are you telling me that you will pay for my second ticket? And for your information, I'm not going alone. My entire family is going. To change my ticket means I have to change FOUR tickets.
PIC : (Didn't answer at this point, but quickly hang up the phone)
Yep. And if you think that's bad, try the second one. Few hours later I got a phone call from the second person-in-charge (2PIC)
2PIC : You applied your leave on the 20th to the 23rd March?
Me : Yeah...
2PIC : Are you aware that So-and-So also applied on that date?
Me : Yeah, but I already let her know.
2PIC : Can you cancel your leave on that week?
Me : (sharply) Why is that?
2PIC : No one is available to cover that department.
Me : I'm sorry, I had something going on.
2PIC : What is that?
Me : I'm going overseas.
2PIC : Can you postpone your flight for that week? Because we really need someone to cover down there, and you're the only person up for the job.
Me : (sarcastic) You all insisted I'm no longer attached to that department, that I have shifted to another department. I checked the roster on that day and so far, no one was taking leave on that day. Only two girls from different floors, so I applied. Now you come and tell me to cancel my flight? I already made the full payment of the flight and the hotel. Are you going to pay for my flight and expenses?
2PIC : C-Calm down, but you shouldn't have done that. You should've discussed with our head first.
Me : (sarcastic) And is she going to pay for my flight? Because if so, I don't mind cancelling my flight.
2PIC : (trying to control the situation) But you need to discuss with our head, you can't just go off like that.
Me : Look, I still got my annual leaves, which I needed to clear it all off by that month. And I did not book a last minute flight. Now we are in January, my flight is in March. I am giving you two months to find someone to cover my place. Are you telling me two months is not enough? It's not as though I'm taking a last minute flight. If I had booked a last minute flight, then yes, it's my fault and I do have to go to our head and discuss about it. But this is something I planned in advance. Besides, don't try to sugar coat me. I've seen you all book flights early as well. Are you telling me that all of you also went through the head to discuss about your flight plans which is months in advance?
2PIC : (closes the phone immediately)
God, it really makes my blood boil. Has any of you ever encountered something like this?
PS: In case you're all feeling a little lost, this is the map of the locations I mentioned.
Map image copyright goes to their respected owners.
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