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Above and beyond

Above and beyond A few weeks ago my family and I took a trip to Vancouver Island to see family and old friends. We did not fly with Air North during that trip, but rather opted with the other airline company. While stopped in Vancouver there was a beau

A few weeks ago my family and I took a trip to Vancouver Island to see family and old friends.

We did not fly with Air North during that trip, but rather opted with the other airline company.

While stopped in Vancouver there was a beautiful framed picture that we had bought and were planning to take it back with us via the airplane.

We could have shipped it up by other means, but I had first investigated whether or not it would be a problem to take it on the flight back up to the Yukon. I had spoken to someone on the phone from the company describing all the details and measurements, and they had assured me it could be brought onto the airplane.

Just for backup, I checked their website as well and confirmed I should have had no problem taking this framed picture back on the airplane.

I printed out the details from their website just in case I would run into trouble, but as I was assured I would have no problem taking the picture as cargo, I decided not to ship it by other means.

When we arrived at the airport in Vancouver and checked in our luggage, we had the framed picture with us as well.

The person who checked us in took the measurements at the counter again and said it should be fine but go to the counter with special or large cargo so they can take care of it there.

Once I arrived there, the people informed me I could not take that picture aboard.

I told them I had spoken with someone from their company on the phone, and I showed them the printout I had from their company’s website indicating I could be allowed to bring the picture on board. I explained that, otherwise, I would have shipped it by other means.

They told me to wait while they figured out if I could or could not bring the picture with me.

After a 45-minute wait standing around for their answer, they indicated to me they felt they did not want to bring it on board.

As a last resort I went to speak to someone at Air North as I’ve heard of stories of them going the extra mile for Yukoners.

I spoke with Angela Payne from Air North at the front counter and I told her what had happened and explained that, if Air North could fly the picture up, I would pay all the shipping costs.

If that couldn’t be done I would have had no choice but to leave the picture behind as we had to board our plane since we were close to being late from waiting the 45 minutes for the other company’s decision.

Angela

and the other Air North staff managed to make sure my framed picture made it up to Whitehorse in excellent condition.

She knew we had to run, so she told us to leave it with her and she would take care of everything for us.

I wish to thank Angela for going out of her way, especially when she didn’t have to since we weren’t even flying on Air North.

After Air North went out of their way, we have decided that we will only fly with Air North from this point on.

It was an incredible thing that Air North went well beyond what they had to in order to help us, and I want to let Joseph Sparling know what incredible employees he has!

Thanks very much, Air North!

Brian Simmer

via e-mail