Getting Stuff For Free

I am pretty good at getting things for free, complaining my way to discounted meals, discounted clothing, or complimentary hotel upgrades for my managers, but my mom is the champ. Seriously, I don't know how she does it.

Proof of her skills? My Southwest flight to Berkeley after visiting my family this past weekend was delayed by an hour. I was annoyed, but not really peeved enough to make the call to customer service. I think I need to be really, truly pissed off to make that call. She said to just call them and tell customer service that you want to be compensated for the inconvenience. I reluctantly said ok; it was worth a shot, as I've got some traveling coming up soon and it would be nice to get a free flight. However, after many days of fighting with Comcast, I think I'm just feeling defeated or something. I called customer service and accepted their "Sorry, for a 1 hour delay due to weather, there's nothing we can do." I thanked them for their time, and hung up the phone. Loser!

My mom, upon hearing this, decided she would take matters into her own hands and call them herself. She called - without my flight information or anything - and got them to email me a $50 credit to be used towards future travel. I haven't gotten it yet, but I bet if I don't, she'll make them double it.

Thanks, mom.