When Experience Isn’t Enough:
A Travel Lesson We Lived
Last week, we had to cancel a trip we’d been looking forward to for months, and were pretty heartbroken. Even with all the experience we have in this industry, we still got this one wrong; I believe it’s worth sharing in the hopes that you learn from it too.
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We were headed to Amsterdam, planning to arrive a day and a half before boarding a river cruise for a top producers, sailing with one of our favorite partners. On paper, everything felt solid: we had a cushion of extra time before sailing, what we thought was a reasonable connection. Overall, the plan seemed efficient.
Looking back, we simply didn’t build in enough margin. Here’s what happened, what we learned, and what we’d do differently next time:
When we booked our flights, we had two options: a tight 1.5-hour connection or a much longer 9-hour layover. We chose the shorter one, thinking it was the smarter, more efficient move.
If we had it to do over again, we’d take the longer layover, no question. Not because we want to spend nine hours in transit, but because of what that time gives you:
- A chance to reset (hotel, shower, even a quick workout)
- Breathing room if anything shifts
- A much lower risk of everything unraveling
Because what looks efficient on paper doesn’t always hold up in real life.
What Happened to our Timeline
Something highly unusual and completely unexpected happened.
An air traffic control ground stop impacted multiple airports across the DC, Baltimore, and Richmond region due to a reported odor in the tower. Not inclement weather, not a mechanical issue, it was one of those situations you would never plan for.
The ripple effect was immediate. Delays stretched for hours, airspace tightened, and major hubs like Philadelphia (where we were connecting) had to absorb the disruption.
And here’s the part that really got us: our flight to Amsterdam left on time… we just couldn’t get there.
Where It Got Complicated
We were working with the American Airlines Executive Platinum desk (the highest level of support available) and still ran into roadblocks.
It wasn’t just one issue, it was a combination of things:
- Flights we could see weren’t actually bookable
- Alternative airline options weren’t being offered
- Reaccommodation was limited by system constraints
Even with VIP status, with many years’ experience in domestic and international travel, and knowing exactly what to ask for… we weren’t able to find a simple solution.
The Financial Reality
At that point, we had to decide whether to wait it out or pivot. American told us we’d receive a full refund (which, if you’ve traveled enough, you know you don’t fully trust until it actually hits your account).
Thankfully, it did about five days later. But rebooking was a different story.
As we started searching on our own, the numbers were shocking. Flights were coming in at two to nearly three times what we originally paid. Economy seats, when available, were pricing around $5,000 or more, and not for great seats either. $5,000!!!!
We kept seeing the same pattern:
- Very high fares
- Limited real availability
- “Ghost inventory” that looked bookable, but wasn’t
In some cases, we were looking at paying nearly the same as our refund just to sit next to the bathroom at the back of the plane.
The Call We Had to Make
Could we have still gotten there? Probably.
But it would have meant paying significantly more, likely missing the first one or two days of the cruise, and taking on a lot of added stress and uncertainty just trying to piece it all together.
At some point, it just didn’t make sense. So we made the call not to go.
What We’re Seeing More Often
What’s interesting is this wasn’t just a one-off situation. Across our advisor community, we’re hearing more and more of the same:
- Multi-day delays
- Missed connections
- Limited reaccommodation options
This is happening more frequently than most travelers realize.
The Takeaway
As frustrating as this was, it reinforced something we’ve been saying more and more: travel today requires more margin.
Not in an overwhelming way, but in a practical one: more time, more flexibility, more buffer built into the plan.
Because sometimes the disruption isn’t something you can predict or control. Sometimes it’s something completely random that changes everything downstream.
What We’ll Do Differently
For us, the shift is simple. We’ll choose even longer connections than we do now and consider driving the extra hour and a half for international to make them non-stop flights, at least to get over the pond. Overall, we will build in more time and prioritize arriving earlier, even when it feels excessive.
Missing part of a trip is one thing, but missing the entire experience is something else entirely.
So, we humbly admit that even the experts don’t always get it right, but we do learn. And we use those lessons to better guide every client we work with going forward.
And that’s what really matters.
Want us to share our wisdom and experience to help you book the vacation of your dreams? Reach out, tell us your vision, and we’ll make it happen.
Relax, we’ll take care of everything,
Amy Westerman
President
The Curated Travel Collection
P.S. For more of our travel stories, tips and trends visit our blog.
