they were out of pillows

I’ve created a rule for myself when experiencing frustration during air travel:
Commiserate with the other passengers; joke with the airline staff.

My flight this evening was delayed, apparently due to weather. Then I missed my connecting flight, called to rebook another flight for tomorrow morning, and joined a long line of people with similar plights. We exchanged the usual gripes about flying. You know, nothing too bitter. Just enough to let each other know we’re in the same boat and to feel justified in our annoyance. As I neared the service desk, I changed my tune to fit a new audience…

I approach the Delta desk with my friendliest smile, which is not reciprocated.

me: Hi, how are you doing?
Delta Guy: Fine.
me: I just rebooked my flight over the phone, so I only need to print my new boarding pass.
Delta Guy: Okay.
me: Aaaand see what you can do about overnight accommodations.

Delta Guy begins to shake his head with an air of weariness. He has said this many times tonight.

Delta Guy: We do not provide hotels for ATC.
me: Why not?
Delta Guy: Air traffic control. It was caused by weather, so Delta does not provide hotel accommodations.
me: So, what are we all supposed to do?
Delta Guy: You can go out and get a hotel on your own. Or you can stay here.
me: …Okay. That’s a bad policy. I mean, I know you didn’t make it. But it’s a bad policy.
Delta Guy: It’s from the federal government.
me: How about meals?
Delta Guy: Meals we can do.
me: Alright. Is everything closed by now?
Delta Guy: Well, there’s a 24 hour Dunkin Donuts in Terminal 3. It’s a bit of a walk, but not bad.
me: That’s okay…I’ve got time.

A close-lipped smile spreads across Delta guy’s face as he looks down at his computer, typing in the magical codes that will produce free food for me.

Delta Guy: Here you go.
me: Thanks.

I take the vouchers and turn to leave. After a pause, I turn back around.

me: Oh, I see. Are those the overnight accommodations right there?

I point to a pile of plastic-wrapped blankets on the floor next to the service desk. Delta Guy smiles once again, seemingly against his better judgment, and hands me a blanket.

Delta Guy: Here, have another.

Two blankets. Ooooooh yeaaaah.

Who knew I was so charming?