|
IN BRIEF
|
Sometimes our *journeys* take an unexpected and memorable turn. This is precisely what Joana Fillon experienced, a resident of Agen who boarded a SNCF train last June with her four-legged companion, an adorable cat named Pouki. Amid technical problems, misunderstandings, and a certain dose of suspense, the story that followed resembles a true *adventure novel*. Embark on this tale full of twists and turns, where lightheartedness intertwines with the nonchalance of train conductors.
A chaotic reservation #
It all began when Joana decided to travel with her cat. Aware that a ticket is required even for a feline, she set about the task of booking a ticket for her companion. However, her device and the SNCF app did not seem to be in a cooperative mood. Indeed, Joana encountered a *bug* that prevented her from registering Pouki’s ticket without also having to pay for her own seat again. Faced with this dilemma, the situation became increasingly *comical* for this determined traveler.
An unexpected check #
Once on the train, Joana had no choice but to explain her situation to the conductors. In a whirlwind of absurdity, she was asked to cough up 20 € for her cat’s “ticket,” which was far more than the usual 7 €. Confused by this *injustice*, she attempted to assert her point of view, but the agents, unperturbed, offered her an alternative: *formally contest the charge* for the sum of 85 €. It was becoming increasingly surreal!
“At this point, I felt like I was traveling with a lion.”
During a failure to present an identification, as she did not have one on her, Joana attempted to connect to her phone to access it. Unfortunately, the cellular network was as fickle as the humor of some conductors. The situation escalated to the point where the SNCF agent decided to call law enforcement to verify the young woman’s identity on the platform.
A theatrical arrival in Bordeaux #
Upon her arrival in Bordeaux, Joana was surprised to find herself surrounded by five security agents, all armed with *bulletproof vests*. An unbelievable sight for a simple traveler with her seemingly harmless British cat. Everyone had imagined dramatic chases, while the reality was that Pouki just wanted to be petted rather than interrogated. The contrast between the surrounding anxiety and her feline companion’s carefree demeanor was strikingly *comedic*.
A complaint with no follow-up #
Ultimately, after experiencing a scene worthy of classical theater, Joana had to deal with the aftermath of events. The conductor informed her that she would personally ensure her complaint went nowhere, a successful bet as it was indeed dismissed a few months later. To this day, Joana remains without news of any compensation or an appropriate response from SNCF. “The only option offered to me was to consult a mediator,” she confides, emphasizing that the issue is not so much monetary as one of respect that should be accorded to every traveler.
À lire exploration of the breathtaking landscapes of Conflent in the Eastern Pyrenees
Point of view of a wronged customer #
Joana Fillon then denounced what she considers an *abuse of power* by some rail agents. According to her, this unexpected outing illustrates the dysfunctions she has unfortunately observed within SNCF, along with a nonchalant attitude towards customers who are trying to be cooperative. Animals, she stated, should be welcomed without any semblance of threat or a horde of security agents ready to *apprehend* the situation.
A response from SNCF #
For its part, the management of SNCF acknowledged that Joana did not seem satisfied with her experience. The company promised to pay particular attention to her complaint, while assuring that animals are welcome on board. However, there remains a bitter taste left by this mishap. Indeed, despite the measures taken, this memorable afternoon between Joana and Pouki will not be an easy memory to erase.
