Since I was at the whim of the airlines, booked on one of the thousands of flights that were cancelled in April, my well-laid travel plans were altered beyond my control. Like many travelers in and from the USA, I did not get to this destination or avail myself of this booking. So my ratings are a little skewed.
I did notify the « host/ conglomerate » over 24 hours before our arrival that we would not ne making it— but found their empathy and official cancellation policies to be fairly… rigid and non-negotiable. basically their attitude was « tough luck », however that is said in Spanish.
Since it’s inception years ago, when I was a frequent host as well as traveler, ABB has evolved into so much more a ultra-profit making machine in the world- marketplace. We’ve all lived through this evolution in hospitality and the phenomenon it has become. And at the same time it has gradually and remarkably changed from the friendly and fun vehicle for bringing people together for convenience AND a little extra cash— as (I believe) was originally intended. Now it’s all or mostly about the business model and, for most or many, about the bottom line.
C’est la vie: things evolve.
And so in the end and through the process of my disappointment with flight cancellations and travel delays, while the hosts gave no lenience and had no other help to offer, ABB customer support was STELLAR, compassionate, and understanding of my predicament and responded compassionately with their help and resources.
This reassured me that the values and humanity that once inspired this innovative and visionary platform ARE indeed still there. — (AND that some ‘hosts’ are just greedier than others and only focused on how fat they can make their cash cow properties.)
Many deep thanks to Julius for hearing me out and accommodating the special needs of this distressed traveler…