"An open letter to LIAT" originally appeared in a newspaper in the British Virgin Islands. (LIAT)
A frustrated traveler has penned an airline complaint letter so funny that it caught the eye of Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson who blasted it out to his millions of social media followers.
In 2009, Branson famously received what became known as the world's best airline complaint letter, when one passenger called the in-flight food a "culinary journey of hell".
Branson, in a post to his more than 3 million Twitter followers, said that he was "tickled" to see another "brilliant note."
"How to write a complaint letter -- read this hilarious note from a frustrated airline passenger," tweeted Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. He even wrote a blog post about it.
According to the less-than-pleased passenger, named Arthur Hicks, he and his fellow passengers where forced to endure multiple stops and delays on a recent flight. Originally published in April in a local newspaper--it was later spotted by Branson.
Dear LIAT,
May I say how considerate it is of you to enable your passengers such an in-depth and thorough tour of the Caribbean.
Most other airlines I have travelled on would simply wish to take me from point A to B in rather a hurry. I was intrigued that we were allowed to stop at not a lowly one or two but a magnificent six airports yesterday. And who wants to fly on the same airplane the entire time? We got to change and refuel every step of the way!
I particularly enjoyed sampling the security scanners at each and every airport. I find it preposterous that people imagine them all to be the same. And as for being patted down by a variety of islanders, well, I feel as if I've been hugged by most of the Caribbean already. I also found it unique that this was all done on "island time," because I do like to have time to absorb the atmosphere of the various departure lounges. As for our arrival, well, who wants to have to take a ferry at the end of all that flying anyway? I'm glad the boat was long gone by the time we arrived into Tortola last night -- and that all those noisy bars and restaurants were closed.
So thank you, LIAT. I now truly understand why you are "The Caribbean Airline."
P.S. Keep the bag. I never liked it anyway.
Branson said the letter is a serious reminder that companies need to listen to their customers.
"Making customer service key to your company will keep your employees motivated and your customers happy. This in turn ensures enduring loyalty, business success and a better experience for everyone," Branson wrote.
Fun stories about food, relationships, the great outdoors and more.