Teresa's Lucky Layover

One of my favorite destinations to travel to is Paris, France. One of my most memorable layovers is one that Grace (also a Professor in the Flights Program)  and I had together. We had seen this specific layover for Paris on the rotations and we knew we had to try and bid for as it was a 30 hour layover opposed the usual 24 hour.  We weren’t sure if we would hold it at our seniority. We did!  We landed at 6:30 a.m. Paris time.  After being up all night operating the flight from YYZ to CDG, we decided we should sleep when we arrived.  We only slept for two hours!

On this layover, we had specifically planned to go to the original Chanel store in Paris, ( 31 Rue Cambon, Paris).  Grace and I had both watched the two movies about Coco Chanel and we were intrigued by her. Coco Chanel was definitely ahead of her time.  We wanted to see the iconic curved mirror-lined marble staircase inside the Chanel store.  The staircase achieved two things: a neat mesmerizing prism effect and a way for her to view her shows, models, and audiences reactions without having anyone see her.  We arrived at the store and saw that the staircase was behind locked glass doors.  We approached the security guard in hoping we could have access to see the staircase. He kindly opened the glass doors for us and we were also allowed to take a picture sitting on the stairs.

When we were at the store we decided that we wanted to buy a little something.  We wish we could of bought a piece of clothing, shoes, or a purse but we knew that was way beyond our budget and wishful dreaming.  So we choose some make up pieces from the Chanel makeup line.  The Chanel associate that was assisting us was very courteous and helpful. Let me tell you, what happened next was an unforgettable experience!  She asked and offered us all glasses of champagne. WOW!  This is what you call exceptional customer service and I always talk about this in my Customer Experience classes!  We didn’t spend a large amount of money but we were treated and given the true Chanel Customer Experience.   

This was one of my favourite and memorable layovers of all time!  So when you have a layover in Paris one day, this is a must!

- Teresa