jh+8

As politely as you can manage, you say, "Can I please talk to your supervisor? I know my reservation is in there." You have the confirmation numbers and everything! There's got to be a glitch.

She gives you a wry look and says, "Step aside while I call him." You do... and stay there for the next 45 minutes. It turns out there was an emergency somewhere else, and the supervisor couldn't get away.

"I'm sorry," he says. "But your reservation is just not in here. Besides, your plane has already left."

"What??" You shriek. "Then put me on another flight!"

"Sorry," he says again. "There's just no record."

Discouraged, you turn around and head for home. After this ordeal, you think you'll just stay home for the summer.