A monk in New Mexico said he recently became irritated after dealing with a less than helpful United Airlines customer service representative.
Brother Noah of the Monastery of Christ in the Desert had trouble regarding a fellow monk's flight to Malawi and back, Yahoo News reports. He posted an open letter on the monastery's website asking for help.
"Blessings to you! Christ in the Desert is having some difficulties with United Airlines. Perhaps someone reading this will know a way to help," the letter began.
A fellow Monastery of Christ in the Desert monk, Brother John Baptist, flew to Malawi in late November to see his sick mother. The $2,489 round-trip ticket was paid for by the monastery.
After he arrived in Malawi, he realised that he would have to remain in the country several weeks. Brother Noah called United Airlines on December 10 to reschedule the return flight, but the customer service rep allegedly told him that the original purchase was fraudulent.
She also reportedly suggested that Brother Noah drive three hours to Albuquerque to resolve the issue. This resolution was not to the monk's satisfaction.
"I said to her something like: 'Thank you for speaking. God bless you. I will pray for you. But you have not been helpful,'" Brother Noah recounted.
The monk said he was disappointed in himself because his voice "manifested anger".
The problem was not resolved after he spoke to a supervisor named Mark.
"Everything became our fault," Brother Noah told the New York Times. "There was no evidence that Brother John Baptist had been placed on a new return flight.
"No record of the conversation with Mark. I really struggled to remain calm and charitable. My monastic life is about staying peaceful in all circumstances. I failed during this call."
The monk's frustration led to the open letter, which had a positive result. Brother John Baptist was booked on a return flight, United Airlines apologised, and Brother Noah received a $350 credit towards a future flight.
United Airlines has not commented on the incident.
