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agent’sview
The tragic death of a much-loved aunt, the collapse of an airline
and the trip of a lifetime... this is Carrie Laws’ fairytale of New York
Jumeirah Essex House, the lights of Times Square, Carrie hanging out with two of NYPD’s finest, shopping at Macy’s and a bird’s eye view of the Big Apple
It all started with a telephone call from my fantastic – I wasn’t sure what to expect, this being my first
aunt, Beverley Burns, one sunny September day flight, and I hope I wasn’t too much of a nervous passenger
last year, to ask if I fancied a trip to New York… with numerous questions about various noises! The cabin
Naturally, I said “yes”! Bev, who worked for Parador Travel, crew couldn’t have been nicer, and made the flight very
had won first prize in a competition run by ttgbusiness – enjoyable, as well as easing my nerves. I would certainly
flights with Silverjet and three nights at the Jumeirah Essex recommend travelling in WTP – I’m not sure I could travel in
House Hotel on Central Park. She wanted to take me as it anything less in the future!
would be my first flight. We decided on dates and planned New York was a fantastic experience: staying at Essex
every last minute of our trip…Tiffany’s being the first stop! House overlooking Central Park, Times Square, boosting the
Unfortunately, my aunt passed away suddenly on In memory of American economy at Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Tiffanys... We
December 4, 2007, which came as a horrific shock to the Beverley Burns, rode on the Staten Island ferry past the Statue of Liberty,
whole family. One of Bev’s colleagues at Parador, Dawn Parador Travel saw the incredible views from the 86th floor of the Empire
Shipton, contacted ttgbusiness to explain the situation, as State Building and ate fabulous food – from Bubba Gump’s
the rest of us were in a state of shock. ttgbusiness very kindly Shrimp Co Restaurant to Angela’s Rock’n’Roll Diner.
said the prize was still valid, and as a family we decided I We endeavoured to take as big a bite of the Big Apple as
would go with another of my aunts, Lorraine Burns. possible in memory of Bev, and I think we succeeded. I’m
Then we discovered that Silverjet was in financial convinced she would have been proud of us – particularly
difficulty, and, praying for good news, we followed the news our restraint in some of the shops! It was an absolutely
reports avidly. Unfortunately, it was not to be, and we fantastic trip, filled with much hilarity and laughter, as well
discovered that Silverjet had grounded their aeroplanes and as a few emotional and sad moments as we recalled
eventually went out of business. Not knowing what else to numerous family stories.
do, I contacted Dawn, who in turn got on to her contacts at It would not have been possible without the help (and
Virgin, but unfortunately this didn’t prove fruitful. I got in patience) of Adam Coulter, Monic Chhabria at BA, Liana
touch with ttgbusiness editor Adam Coulter, who liaised with Morales at the Essex House and Dawn Shipton, so I’d like to
British Airways, and was able to confirm within days of my thank you all for everything you did to make this trip
plea for help that BA would kindly provide the flights – possible. You’ll never know how much it meant, Lorraine
travelling in World Traveller Plus, far more than we expected. and I will be eternally grateful – the trip is will stay with
So on an eagerly anticipated August 8, we were off! both of us for the rest of our lives. Most of all, I’d like to
Pre-flight was a great experience – BA had arranged access thank my aunt Bev, who I’m sure was there with us in
to the South Galleries Lounge, which was luxurious and some form (perhaps the pigeon on the Empire
relaxing. Terminal 5 was really working well – we were State Building which bit my finger!) for simply
checked in and through in about 10 minutes. The flight was being her – here’s to you, Bev. L52159
Calling all agents! Do you want to share your experiences,
views and advice – or just have a major rant? We’re looking
for outspoken people to put the travel world to rights.
Email acoulter@ttgbusiness.com to have your say.
Fancy being a travel agent to rock stars? Find out what it’s like on p55
ttgbusiness.com a79 november 2008
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